In a landmark move, the Africa Fertiliser Industry Development Association was launched during the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025. The event, hosted by AUDA-NEPAD, AGRA, and the African Union Commission, marked a coordinated effort to implement the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan, a 10-year roadmap aimed at reversing soil degradation and boosting productivity.

Key initiatives include:

• Reviving the African Centre for Fertiliser Development, dormant for years, to lead research and training
• Establishing regional blending facilities to produce context-specific fertiliser formulations
• Advancing soil mapping to enable precision farming and evidence-based policy

Commissioner Moses Vilakati emphasized the urgency of restoring soil fertility, citing that over 60% of Africans depend on agriculture, yet many face declining yields due to poor soil health. AUDA-NEPAD CEO Nardos Bekele-Thomas confirmed that regional hubs have already launched in West and Southern Africa, with East and North Africa next in line.

The private sector is also mobilizing. A Pan-African Fertiliser Association is in development, aiming to streamline supply chains and improve access for smallholders. Innovations showcased at the forum included AI-powered soil diagnostics, mobile agronomic training platforms, and low-cost testing kits for nutrient profiling.