DAKAR, Senegal – Africa has taken a decisive step toward securing its agricultural future with the official launch of the Africa Fertilizer Industry Development Association on September 1, 2025.
The new continental body was unveiled during a special event on “Advancing the Momentum of the Implementation of the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Plan,” held on the margins of the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 in Dakar.
The Association, which aims to unite Africa’s fertilizer sector through strengthened collaboration, advocacy, and investment, represents a major milestone for the continent’s 60% population that depends on agriculture for their livelihoods.
The launch comes as Africa grapples with declining soil fertility affecting millions of smallholder farmers who form the backbone of the continent’s agricultural sector.
Multi-Stakeholder Initiative
The event was hosted by the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), the African Union Commission (AUC), Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and the Coalition of Implementors for Fertilizer and Soil Health (CIFSH).
For smallholder farmers, who make up the backbone of Africa’s agriculture, this represents a major milestone toward better access to quality fertilizers and sustainable soil management.
Soil Health Crisis
Healthy soils are the foundation of Africa’s food security. More than 60 percent of Africans depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, yet many farmers face declining soil fertility. Restoring soils and ensuring access to affordable fertilizers is key to boosting productivity, adapting to climate change, and feeding a rapidly growing population.
Leadership Commitment
H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment at the AUC, emphasized the urgency of tackling soil health challenges. Since taking office in March 2025, he has prioritized eight key areas to implement the Nairobi and Kampala Declarations.
“Our priorities include resuscitating the African Centre for Fertilizer Development, establishing Regional Fertilizer Blending Facilities, and advancing Soil Mapping to enable context-specific, evidence-based decision-making,” he said.
His department has rolled out a 100-day plan that sets the stage for long-term action over the next four years.
Multi-Stakeholder Approach
The event highlighted the power of multi-stakeholder partnerships in transforming agriculture. Governments, the private sector, youth, women, and technical experts all play critical roles in improving soil health. Inclusive participation ensures that vulnerable groups gain equitable access to resources, training, and decision-making roles—an essential element of Africa’s agricultural transformation.
Continental Action Plan
AUDA-NEPAD CEO, Nardos Bekele-Thomas spoke on the importance of coordinated continental action.
“The implementation of the 10-year Action Plan on Fertilizer and Soil Health is now at the top of our agenda. We are domesticating the Nairobi Declaration and helping Regional Economic Communities establish Regional Hubs—with launches already in West and Southern Africa, and progress underway in East and North Africa,” she said.
AUDA-NEPAD is working with multiple development coalitions to ensure the Plan’s success.
On the launch of the Association, the CEO continued: “The private sector coalition is represented here by some of its members that I’m advised will launch a new Pan-Africa Fertilizer Association at this event. This is exciting news as it signals an acceleration in the implementation of the Nairobi Declaration. Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the new Association and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to working with them.”
Innovation Focus
Dr. Asseta Diallo, Senior Specialist, Soil Health & Integrated Management AGRA, highlighted the link between soil health and resilient food systems.
“Sustainable soil health and equitable access to affordable fertilizers are central to Africa’s agricultural future. AGRA is committed to working with governments, the private sector, farmers, and partners to create enabling environments and innovations that restore soils, boost productivity, and secure a sustainable future for smallholders,” she said.
Larry Umunna, Executive Director of CIFSH, emphasized revitalizing institutions and building local ownership.
“Our coalition is focused on reviving the African Centre for Fertilizer Development and promoting the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan at both country and regional levels. We prioritize capacity building, resource mobilization, and leveraging research and innovation to improve fertilizer efficiency and build resilient agricultural productivity,” he added.
Technological Advances
Participants also showcased innovations in fertilizer formulations, soil testing technologies, digital tools, and modern agronomic practices already making an impact across Africa’s diverse agro ecologies. The private sector’s role in delivering affordable, quality fertilizers and ensuring efficient supply chains for smallholder farmers was highlighted as indispensable.
Looking Forward
The event ended with a collective pledge: as Africa works to boost agricultural productivity and resilience against climate change and population growth, the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan and its partners are ready to deliver science-driven, inclusive solutions for a sustainable, food-secure future.
The event was convened to discuss the implementation of the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Nairobi declaration. The action-oriented interaction addressed the technical needs to implement the Plan, the progress made so far and the ongoing initiatives. The session discussed the key role of the Coalitions and regional hubs as emphasised in the Action Plan including the private sector in driving the implementation of the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan.
Emphasis was placed on the progress of the implementation so far at continental, regional and more importantly at countries level as well as the diverse nature of all players including the private sector and the need to tailor appropriate modalities for partnerships.
-END-
