The 8th Sustainable Phosphorus Summit (SPS8) has officially commenced in Accra, Ghana, marking the first time this prestigious global event is being hosted on the African continent. Convened by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Ghana, the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (West Africa), Lancaster University, and Rothamsted Research, the summit brings together experts from over 20 countries to advance research, dialogue, and action on sustainable phosphorus management.
The opening ceremony featured a rich blend of cultural performances and high-level messages. Dr Collins Tay (CSIR-Ghana) welcomed participants, followed by remarks from Professor Harry Dixon (UKCEH) and solidarity messages from UNEP, FARA, APNI, DBG, Africa Soil Hub, and other partners. These messages underscored the urgency of collaborative action to ensure sustainable and equitable phosphorus use for food security and environmental protection.
A keynote lecture by Dr André Bationo (International Fertiliser Development Centre and Africa World Food Prize Winner) set a compelling agenda for the week. Drawing on decades of research and practice, Dr Bationo highlighted Africa’s significant phosphorus use gap compared to global averages and presented innovative strategies, such as microdosing and the targeted use of local phosphate rock, to boost crop yields sustainably.
Dr André Bationo
The Honourable Minister for Food and Agriculture of Ghana, Honourable Eric Opoku, is expected to address the gathering shortly, reinforcing the government’s commitment to sustainable nutrient management and agricultural transformation.
Over the four-day summit, sessions will focus on key themes, including phosphorus use efficiency, equitable access to fertilisers, pollution mitigation, sustainable sourcing, and global governance. The event will culminate in the establishment of the African Sustainable Phosphorus Network, a continental platform to drive coordinated action beyond the summit.
SPS8 is supported by a broad network of international experts, institutions, and sponsors, and represents a significant step towards positioning Africa at the heart of global phosphorus sustainability solutions.
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Source: FARA Africa