Key takeaways from the side event discussion at the 15th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS), the 20th edition of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform

Soils4Africa project is pleased to join the side event entitled “Soil Information Systems for Attainment of Soil Health in Africa: Pathway for Progress”. Co-organized by FARA, ISRIC World Soil Information, FAO and CABI, the side event is on the occasion of the commemoration of the 15th Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS), the 20th edition of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform (PP) in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Three project members from Soils4Africa participated to the event, including Dr. Wole Fatunbi (Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa – FARA), Dr. Samuel Mesele (IITA - International Institute of Tropical Agriculture), Dr. Mary Steverink-Mosugu, and Mr. Andries Bosma (ISRIC World Soil Information). 
The presentations and discussion focused on the strategy and practicalities of building robust, interoperable soil information systems crucial for guiding agricultural and environmental policies.
A primary topic was the importance of national soil data systems that can provide accurate, accessible, and reliable information. The participants emphasized the need for African nations to lead data management efforts, ensuring that information remains locally relevant and contributes effectively to decision-making processes. The event highlighted ongoing efforts in countries like Ethiopia, Ghana, and Zambia, where strategies are being developed to improve soil information infrastructure, with promising potential for broader adoption across the continent.
Challenges discussed included the need for stronger capacity-building initiatives, with experts noting a shortage of trained soil professionals. To address this, regional hubs are emerging to provide technical support and training tailored to local contexts such as the case with the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health in West Africa and the Sahel. Additionally, collaboration with international partners is seen as essential to secure sustainable funding and resources to maintain these systems over the long term.