(Ecofin Agency) - African Development Bank (AfDB) just committed to providing a $549 million credit line to 14 countries from Eastern and Southern Africa. The grant will be used to effectively fight El Niño-induced drought.

Clearly put, the funding will impact 36 million people who need food assistance. Out of the $549 million grant, $5 million will be invested in emergency aid while $361 million will be used as short, mid in long term support. AfDB said it would grant an additional $183 million, at the end of the year, while unveiling its intent to rapidly disburse funding and inject it unto ongoing projects.

Eastern and Southern regions of Africa are currently hit by the worst drought in their history. This drought was induced by the El Niño weather phenomenon, the severest ever.

Aaron Akinocho