The fertilizer market in Sub-Saharan Africa is undergoing significant changes, with efforts being made to improve the availability, accessibility, and affordability of fertilizers across the region. The work spearheaded by AfricaFertilizer, in collaboration with various donors and technical partners, is at the forefront of these initiatives.
Key stakeholders from eighteen African nations have continued to participate in Fertilizer Technical Working Group (FTWG) sessions organized by AfricaFertilizer in 2024. By bringing together participants from all points along the fertilizer value chain, these gatherings hope to exchange, evaluate, and confirm the national fertilizer data for 2023. This important data is extensively shared to support all levels of business and policy decision-making.
Through the FTWG meetings and other platforms and tools, AfricaFertilizer has been working collaboratively with various partners to illuminate fertilizer markets in several African countries. "In order to give industry players the resources they need for strategic planning to advance food systems in Africa, we are prepared to expand our geographic coverage even further", said Sebastian Nduva, Head of AfricaFertilizer.
Country-Specific Fertilizer Updates
Across various African nations, the fertilizer market is shaped by unique challenges and developments. Here's a snapshot of the current situation in several countries:
Benin: The government has maintained fertilizer subsidies for the 2024-2025 agricultural season, allocating over CFA 24 billion to support farmers.
Côte d'Ivoire: The fertilizer market remains stable with about 300,000 tonnes imported since the start of the year, ensuring a steady supply.
Ghana: The World Bank, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, has issued a tender for over 37,000 MT of NPKs and Urea.
Senegal: Fertilizer prices fluctuate, with Urea prices ranging from CFA 10,000 to CFA 21,500 per 50 kg bag.
Nigeria: Fertilizer prices have been unstable due to rising demand, higher factory prices, and currency fluctuations.
Togo: Because of the steady support from the government through its subsidy program, the fertilizer market in the country is stable and there is no supply pressure. An extra 26,000 tons of fertilizer were delivered between April and June, which strengthened the supply even more.
Ethiopia: Despite high prices, farmers continue to purchase fertilizers, though some are opting for lower application rates.
Kenya: The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) concluded a tender for 75,000 MT of various fertilizers in May 2024.
Malawi: Forex scarcity remains a concern, affecting fertilizer imports.
Mozambique: Fertilizer prices have remained relatively stable, with some price decreases noted in the second quarter of 2024.
Rwanda: The recent launch of the Rwanda Fertilizer Blending Plant is expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity.
Tanzania: A subsidy program launched in 2022 aims to register seven million farmers by 2025-2026.
Zambia: Fertilizer prices increased by 5% in Kwacha terms from April to June 2024 due to currency depreciation.
AfricaFertilizer recently launched the Mozambique’s Fertilizer Dashboard, a tool designed to provide real-time statistics and improve decision-making for stakeholders in the fertilizer industry. This dashboard, the eighth in a series covering various African countries, offers vital data such as trade statistics, consumption, prices, and subsidies. Developed through a collaborative process, it aims to enhance business and policy decisions, ultimately supporting the agricultural sector's growth and sustainability in Mozambique and beyond.
Conclusion
AfricaFertilizer's efforts in organizing the FTWG meetings and gathering comprehensive data are crucial in shaping the fertilizer market in Sub-Saharan Africa. By providing valuable insights and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, these initiatives are paving the way for more informed decision-making and strategic planning. This, in turn, supports the broader goal of enhancing agricultural productivity and food security across the continent.
Source: FertiNews, AfricaFertilizer