NNIA sponsors delegate for the 23rd ANLP

 
Attending the 23rd African Nutrition Leadership Program (ANLP) training workshop was a transformative experience, both personally and professionally. The key takeaway was a deeper understanding of leadership—recognising that leadership is not about a title but about acting from where you are, whether upwards, downwards, or across. We must take full responsibility for our work, continuously striving to lead and create positive change.

For nutrition professionals, it’s essential to recognise that nutrition is inherently about driving change, and change requires strong leadership. In Africa, there is a critical gap in nutrition leadership, which hinders the ability to instigate and sustain meaningful change. This deficiency has contributed to a negative image of nutrition and a lack of investment in the field, despite the continent’s heavy burden of nutrition-related challenges, including the triple burden of malnutrition and the rise in non-communicable diseases.

It’s imperative for nutrition professionals to step up and lead the charge for change in Africa. We must commit to fostering sustainable nutrition improvements, empowering one another, and recognising that leadership and technical expertise, rather than titles, are the true catalysts for change. Leadership skills are developable, and self-awareness and constructive feedback are crucial for growth—whether through self-reflection or feedback from colleagues and those we serve.

As nutrition professionals, we must continue to focus on our professional development and maintain a positive, growth-oriented mindset. Feedback is a valuable tool for progress, and we should embrace opportunities, take responsibility, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and commitment to our field. We must advocate for nutrition, support one another, and ensure our collective impact is recognised globally.

The ANLP training was not only enriching in terms of knowledge but also enjoyable, particularly through team-building activities, which reinforced the importance of collaboration in driving change. Lastly, I expanded my network across Africa, and as 23rd ANLP participants, we committed to leading courageously with a growth mindset, striving to influence sustainable change and lead from where we stand. I am deeply grateful to the Nestlé Nutrition Institute Africa for their generous financial support, which made it possible for me to attend this transformative training.