The Private Sector and Business Coalition of Implementers has been officially launched in Kampala, Uganda, a landmark step in strengthening food security and enhancing agricultural productivity throughout Africa.
Sustain Africa, the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), the African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP), the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism (AFFM), TradeMark Africa (TMA), and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) conceived the Private Sector and Business Coalition of Implementers for the 10-Year Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan and the Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA), which was endorsed by the Assembly of the African Union at the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit on May 9, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya.
A Shared Vision for Stronger Private Sector Engagement
The Coalition represents a unified effort by key stakeholders from policy research organizations, financial institutions, business leaders, and industry partners, working in close collaboration with governments, regional organizations, technical and development agencies, and importantly, the fertilizer private sector across the continent.
The Coalition shares a commitment to achieving the goals set forth for the private sector in the Action Plan and SIA, which aim to:
- Boost production of and access to affordable certified high-quality organic and synthetic fertilizers for smallholder farmers.
- Capitalize on existing and novel financing mechanisms to improve the production, procurement, and distribution of both organic and inorganic fertilizers.
- Invest in innovative and market-driven solutions to ensure sustainable and integrated soil health management.
- Leverage the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to promote and encourage intra-African fertilizer trade.
Driving Collaborative Impact
The Coalition will act as an engine of innovation, investment, and execution. By harnessing the expertise and resources of private sector actors, we aim to bridge gaps in access to fertilizers, foster knowledge sharing, and scale up proven solutions. It will focus on generating measurable outcomes in farm productivity, soil health, and environmental sustainability by strengthening public-private partnerships to drive economic growth in Africa.
Partnership at the Heart of Progress
The launch of this Coalition highlights the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in addressing the challenges of food security and climate resilience. By aligning with the African Union’s vision and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Coalition supports a greener and more inclusive future for African agriculture.
Call to Action
The Coalition invites governments, businesses, investors, and partners to join in advancing the objectives of the 10-Year Action Plan and SIA. Strong partnerships can unlock Africa’s agricultural potential and ensure that farmers, particularly smallholders, have the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in an evolving global landscape.
The official launch of the Private Sector and Business Coalition of Implementers heralds the start of a transformative journey. The Coalition invites all partners to work together to secure Africa’s soil health and agricultural future for generations to come.
For all inquiries, please contact:
Sheila Keino (sheila.keino@sustainafrica-initiative.org)
Executive Director, Sustain Africa, and Team Lead, Private Sector and Business Coalition
