Cabinet’s embrace of the outcomes of the 2nd Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Summit, held from May 7 to 9, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, heralds a significant stride towards Africa’s developmental agenda. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Professor Dr. Amon Murwira, presented the report, accentuating the collective commitment to propel the continent towards sustainable growth.
Under the chairmanship of Kenyan President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, representing African Union Chairperson President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania, the Summit adopted the Nairobi Declaration on Fertiliser and Soil Health. This declaration, alongside the Ten-Year Africa Fertiliser and Soil Action Plan and the Soil Initiative for Africa Framework documents, epitomizes Africa’s resolve to combat food insecurity and enhance soil health across the region.
Leaders pledged to triple domestic fertiliser production and distribution by 2034, underlining a concerted effort towards research and development. Revitalizing the Africa Centre for Fertiliser Development in Harare is poised to drive soil health research, aligned with the AU’s developmental aspirations.
Additionally, the Summit reinforced commitment to operationalize the Africa Fertiliser Financing Mechanism and bolster national capacity for soil management practices. Importantly, it called for increased private sector engagement in Africa’s fertiliser industry and the promotion of sustainable soil management practices, thereby fostering inclusive economic growth.
President Mnangagwa’s emphasis on robust agricultural extension services and education underscores the pivotal role of knowledge dissemination in fostering fertiliser use. Commending the African Development Bank’s Fertiliser Fund, he advocated for innovative public-private partnerships to modernize fertiliser production. He urged Member States to expedite the ratification of the Convention on the establishment of the Africa Centre for Fertiliser Development, underscoring collective commitment towards Africa’s developmental trajectory.
The Nairobi Summit exemplifies Africa’s collective determination to address soil health and fertiliser challenges, marking a significant milestone towards sustainable development and prosperity.
