In a landmark gathering, the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit convened from May 7 to 9, 2024, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. The event marked a turning point in Africa’s agricultural narrative, heralding a new era of sustainability, productivity, and prosperity across the continent.

After the summit at KICC, it’s clear that meaningful conversations were sparked, which will have far-reaching effects beyond the event. At the core of the summit was a shared dedication to addressing soil degradation, a silent crisis that has long cast a shadow over Africa’s agricultural landscape.

Reflecting on the journey since the Abuja Declaration of 2006, which set forth ambitious targets for fertiliser usage and agricultural growth, delegates from across the continent came together to take stock of progress and chart a course forward. What emerged from these deliberations was a resounding call to action rooted in the recognition of soil health as a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and food security.

Central to the summit’s outcomes was the endorsement of a comprehensive 10-year Action Plan, a testament to the collective resolve to revitalise soil health and maximise the impact of fertiliser usage. Crafted through a process of inclusive dialogue and collaboration, this roadmap lays the groundwork for transformative policy reforms, strategic investments, and cross-sectoral partnerships that will drive agricultural prosperity for generations to come.

Beyond the confines of policy documents and action plans, the summit underscored the pivotal role of farmers as stewards of the land and architects of change. Their voices, experiences, and aspirations echoed throughout the proceedings, serving as a poignant reminder of the human dimension of agriculture. Empowered by the commitments made at the summit, farmers stand poised to lead the charge towards a more resilient and inclusive agricultural sector.

As the curtains close on the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit, the legacy of this historic gathering endures, echoing in the fields where seeds of change have been sown. In the years to come, as these seeds take root and flourish, they will bear witness to Africa’s resilience, ingenuity, and unwavering determination to chart a course towards agricultural prosperity.

The journey ahead may be fraught with challenges, but guided by the spirit of collaboration and solidarity that permeated the summit, Africa stands ready to embrace the opportunities that lie on the horizon. From the fertile soils of the Rift Valley to the sprawling savannas of the Serengeti, a new chapter in Africa’s agricultural renaissance is unfolding—one defined by hope, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future for all.