AfSIS offers formal training at MSc and PhD levels. Many national soil and agricultural laboratories have either closed or are deteriorating rapidly and admissions to soil science courses in African universities have fallen dramatically, even at the undergraduate level. Graduate student training supports skill development in soil health surveillance approaches, targeting national soil survey and relevant national agricultural research institutions and key African universities, in collaboration with AGRA. MSc and PhD student studies will be directed at tackling specific knowledge gaps to enhance the project’s success. Some involve “sandwich” programs with a university that has expertise in digital soil mapping (e.g. Sydney University) and conducted through co-supervision. Gender is major issue of consideration in student selection, especially to provide women professionals with the opportunity to lead cutting edge applied soils research.