We take this opportunity to honour one of our most visionary leaders, Professor Richard Mkandawire, who retires after years of exceptional service as the Director of the AAP Africa Office, as the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) continues to grow in strength and purpose. The experience Professor Mkandawire has had with AAP has been nothing short of revolutionary. Richard was a well-known development expert and supporter of soil health who approached his work with insight, moral character, and endless enthusiasm. AAP has become a reliable forum for cooperative research, policy engagement, and capacity building as a result of his dedication to cultivating partnerships throughout Africa. He oversaw the expansion of the AAP throughout African institutions, fostering connections between policy, academia, and the public. From empowering young researchers to advocating for agricultural reform and ensuring soil health remained a top priority for food security on the continent, Richard's enthusiasm for Africa's prosperity was evident in every project he supported. Partners, mentees, and colleagues from around the world gathered at his farewell dinner, held on the last night of the AAP Consortium Meeting 2025 in Lilongwe, Malawi, to honor a man whose work has left a legacy. He was described as a leader, a mentor, and most importantly, a true servant of Africa, in the flood of tributes that poured in. Richard Mkandawire, AAP honors you. Your legacy will continue to inspire, your vision will keep guiding us, and your influence on the lives you have impacted and the organizations you have influenced will only grow. Richard, thank you. We wish you a peaceful, happy, and well-earned retirement.