The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has taken another major step toward advancing the continent’s environmental and agricultural resilience by hosting the Regional Consultation for Central, Northern, and Western Africa on the Model Law on Sustainable Soil Management in Africa.
The two-day consultation, held at the Kempinski Nile Hotel in Cairo from 15–16 October 2025, was organized by the PAP Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, in collaboration with the Development and Rule of Law Programme (DROP) at Stellenbosch University, with support from the German Environment Agency and the BMZ, German Federal Ministry for Economic cooperation and Development.
The Cairo meeting marked the second regional consultation on the Model Law on Sustainable Soil Management, following the successful session held earlier this year in Johannesburg for the Eastern and Southern African regions. The process aims to produce a robust continental African Union member states in developing and implementing effective national soil management policies.
Speaking on behalf of the PAP President, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, the 4th Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament, Hon. Djidda Mamar Mahamat, expressed appreciation to the Egyptian Parliament and government for their hospitality and strong partnership.“Soil is life. It is the foundation of our food systems, a reservoir of biodiversity, and a critical ally in our fight against climate change,” Hon. Djidda said. “When land degrades, it erodes livelihoods and stability. Sustainable soil management is, therefore, not only an environmental imperative but a cornerstone of peace, stability, and socioeconomic development in Africa.”
Hon. Djidda emphasized that despite the PAP’s current consultative mandate, the institution has made remarkable progress in developing Model Laws to guide Member States on key continental priorities such as food and nutrition security, climate change, and now soil management. “These consultations are vital to ensuring that the Model Law reflects Africa’s realities, priorities, and aspirations,” he added. “Through inclusive dialogue, we aim to produce a law that is technically sound, socially legitimate, and politically relevant—a law owned by Africans, for Africa.”
In his address at the official opening, Rt. Dr. Hanafy Gebaly, Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives noted that the ssue of sustainable soil management transcends national borders. It is a common challenge that unites the countries of our African continent. “The drafting of an African Model Law on Sustainable Soil Management under the umbrella of the Pan-African Parliament represents a pivotal step toward developing a legislative vision that enhances cooperation, supports the exchange of expertise, and ensures integration in agricultural and environmental policies,” sais Rt.Dr. Gebaly.
Dr. Gebaly also highlighted Egypt’s national commitment to sustainable soil and land management through flagship projects such as the 1.5 million feddan reclamation project and the New Delta Project, as well as legislative reforms that safeguard agricultural land and water resources. “Believing that legislation is the primary guarantee for the sustainability of these efforts,” he added, “the Egyptian House of Representatives stands ready to offer its legislative expertise to promote sustainable agriculture and modern land management across Africa.”
The Cairo consultation brought together Members of Parliament, experts, researchers, civil society representatives, farmers, and traditional leaders from across the Central, Northern, and Western regions of Africa. Participants critically reviewed and enriched the draft text of the Model Law, which will be presented for consideration at the forthcoming November 2025 Plenary Session of the Pan-African Parliament.
The Model Law aims to strengthen governance, promote land degradation neutrality, and integrate both scientific innovation and indigenous knowledge in soil management practices. It also calls for inclusive participation of women, youth, and local communities in decision-making processes. “Let us remember that soil is not just a resource—it is our heritage and our future,” concluded Hon. Djidda. “Together, we can ensure that Africa’s soils continue to sustain life, foster peace, and support prosperity for generations to come.”
