African Heads of State Commit to Boost Fertilizer and Soil Health Initiatives

Marie Claire Kalihangabo, Coordinator of the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism, expressed readiness to mobilize investments through an enhanced mechanism.

A significant step forward in agricultural development in Africa was made during the recent Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit in Nairobi. African heads of state pledged their support for the full operationalization of the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism, a move aimed at investing in technologies to increase yields, improve soil health, and enhance fertilizer availability and market access for farmers across the continent.

Key Decisions and Commitments

Nairobi Declaration: The heads of state endorsed the Nairobi Declaration on the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit, reaffirming their commitment to advancing agricultural productivity and soil health in Africa.

Creation of Soil Health Fund: The decision opens the door for African Union member states to establish a soil health fund under the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism. This fund will support research, innovation, capacity building, and startups focused on fertilizer use and soil health.

10-Year Action Plan: A comprehensive 10-year Action Plan for Fertilizer and Soil Health was adopted, outlining strategies and initiatives to improve agricultural productivity and soil health in Africa.

Agricultural Initiatives Oversight: The African Union Commission and the African Union Development Agency - New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD) will oversee the implementation of these commitments, ensuring progress is reported to the African Union Assembly in February 2026.

Commitment from Development Partners

Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development at the African Development Bank Group, reiterated the bank's commitment to supporting the implementation of the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit's initiatives. The bank aims to scale up the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism 2.0, mobilizing resources to improve fertilizer availability, de-risk farmer investments, and support policy reforms.

Mobilizing Investments and Innovation

Marie Claire Kalihangabo, Coordinator of the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism, expressed readiness to mobilize investments through an enhanced mechanism. The goal is to provide innovative financing products to ensure timely access to quality, affordable fertilizers, promoting their appropriate use by farmers across Africa.

Addressing Market Challenges

During the summit, the Mechanism highlighted the importance of agritech scaling, partnerships, and affordable access to financing. In collaboration with key stakeholders like Yara and Sustain Africa, it hosted a side event to address fertilizer market challenges, including disruptions caused by government subsidies, economic constraints, and food import reliance.

The commitments made at the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit signal a significant step forward in enhancing agricultural productivity and soil health in Africa. With strong support from African heads of state and development partners, these initiatives have the potential to drive sustainable agricultural development and improve livelihoods across the continent.