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A defining highlight of the recently concluded ANAPRI Stakeholders Conference was the formal signing of three strategic Memoranda of Understanding. These were established with the Africa Fertilizer Industry Development Association (AFIDA), AKADEMIYA2063, and the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF) Africa. Together, these partnerships reaffirm a shared commitment to driving Africa’s agricultural transformation through stronger evidence systems, deeper collaboration, and more effective policy engagement.
This was part of the eighth and final session of the 12th ANAPRI Stakeholders Conference, moderated by Zena Mpenda of Sokoine University of Agriculture (Tanzania). It marked a pivotal moment for the network, as alliances were forged that will underpin a more resilient and food-secure future for the continent. During the session, panellists participated in their capacity as representatives of their respective organisations. Each shared perspectives on potential areas of partnership with ANAPRI, identifying points of convergence and synergy that could strengthen collective efforts towards resilient, inclusive, and food-secure systems in Africa. The theme was clear: innovation in partnership is essential, and by complementing one another we can improve the quality of life across the continent.
Jonathan Said, representing AGRA, emphasised that ANAPRI and AGRA share a common objective of advancing inclusive agricultural transformation in Africa. This is to be achieved through policy analysis, evidence-based engagement, and capacity strengthening. He noted that an MOU is being finalised around these areas, highlighting that for AGRA, collaboration is key. He stressed that is not merely for publication but for efficacy ensuring agriculture and policies in Africa are impactful and efficient.
IFDC representative, Cheickh Sadibou Fall outlined their focus on soil health. He added that two of the three strategic objectives in their forthcoming strategy are directly aligned with ANAPRI’s work on sustainable systems transformation. He underscored the importance of complementarity rather than duplication, stating that while competition for resources is natural, strong partnerships enable greater progress. IFDC hopes to sign an MOU with ANAPRI soon and announced plans to launch the Farmer Know Your Soil initiative in Senegal in 2026.
Innocent Okuku from AFIDA shared their vision of an Africa with sustainably healthy soils and a food-secure, and prosperous population. He identified convergent areas with ANAPRI, including policy advocacy particularly reforming subsidy programmes to reduce market distortions and facilitate fertiliser trade across regions. He also highlighted capacity building and stewardship, stressing the need to equip policymakers with a better understanding of fertiliser science, promote accurate public information and expand the reach of the Farmer Know Your Soil campaign.
SAF-A Interim executive director, Linda Akinyi spoke about the opportunity to complement ANAPRI’s research mandate with SAF-A’s role as implementers. She emphasised the importance of transitioning ANAPRI’s high-quality data into practical interventions on the ground. SAF-A is advancing the ATLAS platform and sees collaboration with ANAPRI as vital for data validation, harmonisation with government systems, and equipping smallholder farmers with techniques to improve soil health. She also noted the value of ANAPRI’s experience in positioning organisations for fundraising and developing bankable proposals to attract investment.
Marco Sánchez, FAO representative, highlighted areas of partnership with ANAPRI in policy foresight and analysis. He stressed the need for robust national expertise in data analysis, validation processes, and systematic policy monitoring. ANAPRI’s role would be to spotlight policy decisions that make a tangible difference. FAO also expressed interest in ANAPRI’s expertise for calibrating policy modelling tools to suit country-specific contexts.
Lead Agricultural Economist in the World Bank, Sergiy Zorya shared details of its three-year Knowledge Impact Programme: Repurposing Agricultural Support for Soil Health. This initiative aims to reorient input subsidy programmes towards soil health in Sub-Saharan Africa, involving Ghana, Malawi, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia. Representatives from ministries of agriculture and finance, alongside private sector actors, policy think tanks, and technical experts, will collaborate to exchange lessons and identify models for increasing the value for money of input support programmes. ANAPRI’s Farmer Know Your Soil programme will be central to this effort, improving farmers’ access to soil testing and knowledge.
AKADEMIYA2063 managing director, Debisi Araba described their vision of being a “mirror and compass” for the continent, helping Africa understand its position in the agricultural sector. He expressed strong alignment with ANAPRI’s vision of success and a desire to embark on this journey together.
Antony Chapoto, ANAPRI Secretariat ED, underscored that partnerships across the private sector, government, and development institutions are not just strategic but essential. Rather than competing, stakeholders must complement each other’s efforts to enrich collective impact. The shared goal is to safeguard food systems and support populations through coordinated, inclusive, and well-aligned interventions. To explore how strategic partnerships and coalitions can strengthen food systems transformation through coordinated, complementary interventions.
Across all interventions, the message was consistent: partnerships must be co-created and coordinated to avoid duplication, harness synergies, and build resilience. Each organisation outlined how ANAPRI’s expertise in research, policy analysis, and farmer-focused initiatives could complement their strengths. Together, these alliances promise to accelerate Africa’s agricultural transformation, ensuring healthier soils, stronger systems, and a more food-secure future.
Watch the full recording of the session here.