Dakar, September 3, 2025 – On the sidelines of the Africa Food System Forum in Dakar, Actors from the African Union (AU), Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the Global Phosphorus Institute (GPI), research institutions, farmer organizations, and international development partners officially launched the African Platform for Phosphorus for Food Security.
This initiative addresses one of Africa’s most urgent yet under-recognized challenges: widespread phosphorus deficiency in soils, which undermines agricultural productivity and food security. Despite holding the majority of global phosphate rock reserves, over 80% of Africa’s soils lack sufficient phosphorus, a key nutrient for plant growth, a paradox that has long constrained the continent’s agricultural productivity and food security.
“Phosphorus is the missing link in Africa’s food security equation. With this platform, we are re-dedicating our resources to build resilience and feed the continent,” said Dr Mamou Ehui, Executive Director of the Global Phosphorus Institute (GPI).
The Platform will serve as a Continental Multi-stakeholder coordination mechanism bringing together key stakeholders to elevate phosphorus as a lever for Africa’s food sovereignty. Its core functions include: the mapping of phosphorus flows, use, and needs across regions and agro-ecological zones, the strengthening of policy coherence among RECs, member states, and global partners, the promotion of efficient, equitable, and sustainable use of phosphorus resources, and the mobilization of partnerships to advance soil health, farmer engagement, and investment for food security.
Initial partners include African Union Commission (AUC), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Global Phosphorus Institute (GPI), Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the Africa Fertilizer Industry Development Association (AFIDA), the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), the Coalition of Implementors for Fertilizers and Soil Health (CIFSH), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and the African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI). The diversity of expertise, from soil scientists to industry leaders, was highlighted during the launch as a key strength.
“The phosphorus Platform in Africa has come at an opportune time, when the continental interest is on halting land degradation, ensuring a sustainable environment, optimizing soil health, and ensuring food and nutritional security. Optimizing phosphorus use in Africa is vital to achieving this goal,” said Dr Wole Fatunbi, Director of Agricultural Research and Innovation at the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA).
“The challenge is immense, but so is the opportunity. Africa can lead the world in sustainable phosphorus management, combining science, innovation, and political will,” added Mr. Alain Sy Traoré, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development of the ECOWAS Commission.
The Platform will be anchored under the leadership of the AU and RECs, with the GPI serving as technical secretariat. The Terms of Reference and governance model will be co-produced and finalized shortly.
The launch builds on long-standing continental commitments, including the Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution (2006), the Lomé Declaration on Fertilizer and Soil Health (2023), and the Nairobi Summit on Food Systems and Soil Health (2023).
It also responds to mounting pressures, climate shocks, rapid population growth, and degraded soils, that threaten Africa’s capacity to achieve Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.