The GLOSOLAN was established under the framework of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) with the aim of strengthening the performance of laboratories towards the development and harmonization of standard soil analysis procedures to make soil information across laboratories, countries and regions comparable and interpretable. By validating soil laboratory data, GLOSOLAN plays a crucial role in ensuring that soil management decisions are based on sound and reliable data. The success of GLOSOLAN, however, strongly relies on the work and commitment of its member laboratories in adopting and implementing GLOSOLAN initiatives and harmonized protocols. This is best achieved through the coordination of national networks (NASOLANs), which has a vital role in breaking down language and cultural barriers. Presently, there are over 30 NASOLANs established within the framework of GLOSOLAN.

The ZASOLAN launch event took place on 15 February 2024 in Lusaka, Zambia. The hybrid meeting attracted more than 30 stakeholders which included government officials, representatives from universities, soil laboratory managers, and national soil experts, from all over the country. The event focused on the quality of soil analytical data, following a technical workshop on soil legacy data held the day before.

Mr. Brian Gondwe, Head of soil chemistry laboratory at the Zambian Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI), kickstarted the event by highlighting ZASOLAN’s crucial role in advancing Zambia’s capacities in soil monitoring, analysis and the development of high-quality soil data and advanced digital soil mapping and information systems.

Mr. Zuba Mwanza, speaking on behalf of the FAO Representative in Zambia, Ms Anne-Rose Suze Percy Filippini, underlined the benefits anticipated from the SoilFER in strengthening national capacities on soil analysis. He also underscored the important role that ZASOLAN would play in the harmonization of soil analysis procedures, enhancement of laboratory quality systems and addressing shared challenges among laboratories.

Then arrived the pivotal moment as Dr. Ndashe Kapulu, Director of ZARI representing the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture ,officially launched by,. He highlighted the importance of ZASOLAN in enhancing socio-economic transformation for improved livelihoods aligning with the country’s National Development Plan. The director expressed the government's commitment to supporting the network and other soil-related initiatives that are being implemented under the SoilFER project, expressing gratitude to the US Department of State for funding the initiative which will have a positive impact on agricultural livelihoods and enhance the resilience of agrifood systems in Zambia.

The event also featured presentations from the GLOSOLAN chair, Mr. Elh Moustapha Abdourahaman who explained how GLOSOLAN operates and stressed the importance of tailoring network activities to the national context. AFRILAB chair, Ms. Lesego Mooketsi-Selepe outlined the 2024 AFRILAB activities and gave an overview of other NASOLANs established in the African region. The event concluded with the network reaching agreements on its Terms of References (ToRs), annual workplan and governance structure.

The launch of ZASOLAN generated great enthusiasm, leading to a significant increase in the number of soil testing laboratories in Zambia registered with GLOSOLAN, which rose from three to eleven. This network offers considerable potential to enhance the quality of work conducted by soil testing laboratories across the country.