As of 6^th November 2025, the Pan-African Parliament has adopted the Model Law on Sustainable Soil Management in Africa during its Sixth Ordinary Session of its Sixth legislature in Midrand, South Africa. This marks an important milestone for the continent’s sustainable development and its legislative harmonization. The new Model Law will serve as a legal and policy framework to guide African Union Member States towards developing and strengthening national legislation and policies for the protection, restoration and sustainable use of soils across the continent.

The Model Law was developed by a team of African experts under the lead of Dr. Harald Ginzky of the German Environment Agency and Prof. Oliver Ruppel of the Stellenbosch University in close work with the Agriculture Committee of the Pan-African Parliament. It is based on detailed country studies from eleven African states and aims at reflecting African realities while aligning with international best practices. The Fourth Vice-President Hon-Djidda Mamar Mahamat, who chaired the meeting, called on all member states to incorporate the law into their national frameworks.

A “Soil Impact Assessment (SIA)” is supposed to serve as a mandatory tool to evaluate before approving major projects related to agriculture, industry or infrastructure, making soil a central factor for sustainability and resilience.

Through empowering African nations to govern their own natural resources through scientific and African-led approaches, the Model Law should serve as “a modern, forward-looking framework that helps decolonize Africa’s soils”. During the Plenary, Members of the Parliament affirmed the inclusive and participatory approach of the law, that combines traditional practices and indigenous knowledge with modern politics and approaches.