APPFS Sets Direction: From Phosphorus Knowledge to Action

On April 1, 2026, the African Phosphorus Platform for Food Security (APPFS) convened some of its founding partners in Benguerir, Morocco, for a strategic breakfast meeting held alongside the GPI Stakeholder Forum. Some of the key partners present included GPI, IFDC, FARA, ECOWAS and CA4SH to shape the platform’s early direction.

A central message emerged clearly: Africa does not lack phosphorus knowledge and evidence, but it lacks coordination, translation, and application. APPFS is therefore positioned to bridge this gap by transforming fragmented evidence into decision-ready insights for policy, practice, and investment.

One priority is the development of a “who-does-what” mapping framework, aimed at clarifying roles, identifying gaps, and strengthening coordination across the phosphorus ecosystem. This will support more strategic alignment among stakeholders and guide action.

Participants also emphasized the importance of inclusive engagement, ensuring that governments, researchers, private sector actors, and farmers are part of the platform from the outset. Strong national-level engagement will be critical to ensure relevance and impact.

Capacity building was identified as a key entry point, with APPFS supporting the translation of science into practical tools, training, and on-the-ground application. At the same time, the ongoing fertilizer crisis presents a timely opportunity for APPFS to provide policy-relevant insights and position phosphorus as a strategic resource for resilience.

Looking ahead, APPFS will focus on strengthening visibility, launching communication platforms, developing knowledge products, and engaging in major continental events.

Ultimately, the platform’s ambition is clear: to move from knowledge to action, and from dialogue to impact, placing phosphorus at the center of Africa’s soil health and food security agenda.