Year in Review 2024
Fostering innovation across WFP
Read the 2024 Year in Review
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Our work in 2024
In a year marked by relentless humanitarian challenges, WFP has remained steadfast in its mission to respond to emergencies, combat hunger and develop scalable, sustainable solutions for communities in crisis. Innovation is central to achieving these goals more efficiently and effectively, ensuring we can adapt to the growing complexity of global needs.
61 million
vulnerable people reached
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$323M
funding catalysed (since the Accelerator’s inception)
Illustration of a piggybank
US$4.1 million
in cost savings
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US$1.5 million
in time efficiencies
86 innovations
funded and supported
Innovation across WFP
WFP’s innovation ecosystem expanded significantly in 2024, with 17 country innovation units, two regional hubs, and the global Innovation Accelerator fostering local solutions. Across 165 duty stations, 490 Innovation Champions worked to address pressing challenges, with initiatives like the IGNITE Innovation Challenge in Eastern Africa and Tanzania’s Innovation Safari strengthening community-driven progress.
Our results by theme
In 2024, our innovations achieved results across multiple thematic areas, including emergency preparedness and response, supply chain, nutrition, food systems and school meals. From reaching millions with improved nutrition to saving costs in logistics and reducing carbon emissions, our work continues to drive meaningful change globally.
A man with a hat and a white vest adorned with the UN logo, representing the mission of the United Nations.

In 2024, innovations in our emergency preparedness and response portfolio impacted

218,000 people.

Three men in bright orange WFP vests stand before a ship, likely coordinating food distribution logistics.

In 2024, our global and locally-powered supply chain solutions saved an estimated

US$4.1 million in cost and US$1.5 million in time. 

A woman and a child sit on the floor, positioned in front of a striking blue arrow on the wall.

In 2024 alone, WFP transferred cash-based assistance to the people we work for a total of

US$7.1 million

A man holds a scooper of Chakki nutritionally fortified flour.

In 2024, solutions supporting improved nutrition reached

24,518,328 people.  

A woman wearing a hijab reaches up to gather fruit from a tree, set against a vibrant natural backdrop.

In 2024, innovations in our food systems and smallholder farmers portfolio reached

5,402,695 people. 

A girl with a cheerful expression holds a bowl of food, set against a Kitchen in a Box container.

In 2024, our school meal innovation portfolio reached

4.9 million people. 

workplace management

WFP’s activities around workplace management in 2024 reflect its support operations across

117 countries and territories where WFP has a physical presence.

This includes over 1,500 buildings and premises, 24,000 personnel, 99,000 UNHAS and commercial flights and over 5,500 light vehicles and trucks. 

A woman in a red sari is holding a cell phone, looking at the screen with a thoughtful expression.

In 2024, our innovations were able to create

1,506 jobs

and averted an estimated

37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Innovation
In 2024, we funded and supported 86 innovations. 58 percent showcase local innovation, underscoring our support for grassroots initiatives and community-driven solutions.
Innovations
Lessons learned
This year’s innovations reinforced the value of adaptability, strategic partnerships and user engagement in driving impactful innovation.
A woman in Ethiopia with a large bag of WFP food on her head, she is smiling towards the camera.
Lessons learned over the year highlight the importance of user-friendly testing, standardized processes and streamlined operations in enhancing rapid deployment and scalability across diverse contexts. Technology and AI played a crucial role in optimizing workflows and improving cost efficiency, while machine learning and automation strengthened forecasting and emergency preparedness. Iterative user feedback ensured practical, widely adopted solutions. Additionally, strategic partnerships with governments, academia and the private sector provided essential expertise and resources, driving innovation and sustainability.

By working closely with local communities, governments and partners, we ensure solutions are locally owned and sustainable. Partnering with local governments secures buy-in and lays the foundation for long-term impact and future scaling.
Our innovation stories
Who are the people behind the numbers?
Take a look at some of the innovation stories from 2024.
School children eating a meal
SCHOOL MEALS
Impact at scale: A school meal innovation’s growth journey
Explore how School Meal Planner (SMP) PLUS is revolutionizing school feeding, impacting millions of children across the globe.
SheCan
Innovative Finance
SheCan Iraq: Bridging the financial inclusion gap for vulnerable populations
In Iraq, WFP’s SheCan initiative is pioneering financial inclusion to empower vulnerable populations and foster economic resilience.
resilience
Resilience
Four innovations improving stability and resilience in fragile and conflict-affected environments
Meet the four innovations working on resilience and food and water security in fragile environments through our Stability-and-Peace Accelerator.
A WFP helicopter on a dirt field with several people in yellow vests exiting it.
Emergency
The accelerating power of collaboration in innovation and humanitarian response
Have you ever wondered what happens when a tech and humanitarian organization unite as an accelerator of change?
WFP
Technology/Staff spotlight
Engineering a sustainable future: empowering communities for a hunger-free world
Discover three untold stories of innovation by WFP Engineers, who use cutting-edge sustainable technology and innovation to keep hunger at bay.
Download the report
Access the PDF below
Thank you to our key partners and collaborators
Together we collaborate to disrupt hunger.
2025 Partners