Africa Fertilizer Market to Surpass US$ 10.47 Billion by 2033, Driven by Agricultural Expansion and Food Security Initiatives

Agricultural Transformation Accelerating Fertilizer Demand Across Africa

Africa, home to nearly 60% of the worlds arable land, holds massive potential to become a global agricultural powerhouse. However, low productivity, limited fertilizer application, and degraded soils have historically hindered the continents agricultural performance. As countries across Africa intensify efforts to improve food security, reduce hunger, and drive rural development, the fertilizer market is poised for rapid growth.

According to the latest insights by Renub Research, the Africa Fertilizer Market is projected to grow significantly over the next decade, reaching % during 20252033.

Rising Food Demand and Population Growth Spur Fertilizer Use

Population Boom Fuels Agricultural Pressure

Africas population is projected to double by 2050, reaching more than 2.5 billion people. This explosive growth is placing immense pressure on existing agricultural systems to increase food production. Fertilizers, which are essential to enhancing crop yields and improving soil fertility, are becoming critical tools to meet rising food demand.

Government Policies Promote Fertilizer Access

Multiple African nations are enacting policies to boost fertilizer adoption through subsidy programs, improved distribution networks, and public-private partnerships. Governments in Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ghana have launched national fertilizer programs to subsidize inputs, promote balanced fertilizer use, and support local manufacturing.

Programs like the African Unions Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan are also being implemented to reverse soil degradation and scale up sustainable agricultural inputs continent-wide.

Market Segmentation: Fertilizer Type, Crop Type, and Country-Level Insights

By Fertilizer Type: Nitrogen-Based Fertilizers Dominate

Nitrogen-based fertilizers such as urea, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate continue to lead the African fertilizer market, primarily because nitrogen is essential for plant growth and heavily used in cereal cultivation. However, phosphatic and potassic fertilizers are gaining popularity due to increasing awareness of balanced nutrient application.

Blended and compound fertilizers are also witnessing rising demand, especially among smallholder farmers, as they offer balanced nutrition tailored to specific crop and soil needs.

By Crop Type: Cereals Hold the Largest Share

Cereal cropsparticularly maize, rice, and wheatremain the largest consumers of fertilizers in Africa. These staples are vital to food security across the continent. Additionally, there is growing fertilizer use in the cultivation of high-value crops such as horticulture products (fruits and vegetables), pulses, and oilseeds due to expanding export opportunities and rising domestic demand.

The use of fertilizers in cash crops like coffee, cocoa, cotton, and sugarcane is also increasing, as these sectors attract investment and modernization initiatives.

Country-Level Insights: Nigeria, Ethiopia, and South Africa Lead the Way

Nigeria

As the largest economy and most populous country in Africa, Nigeria is also the biggest fertilizer consumer on the continent. With initiatives such as the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI) and expansion of blending plants, the country is boosting local production and improving affordability. Nigeria is also focusing on self-reliance by supporting indigenous fertilizer manufacturing.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is implementing strong public policies to support smallholder farmers, who make up the bulk of its agricultural workforce. The government has partnered with development agencies to distribute subsidized fertilizers and promote usage through cooperative unions and extension services.

South Africa

With advanced commercial agriculture, South Africa has one of the most mature fertilizer markets in Africa. The country is focusing on enhancing fertilizer efficiency, precision farming, and sustainable agriculture practices. Fertilizer use is well integrated into the supply chain for fruit exports, wine production, and industrial crops.

Other notable markets include Kenya, Ghana, Morocco, and Egypt, where agricultural modernization and investment are creating fresh demand for fertilizers.

Key Drivers Behind Market Expansion

1. Growing Agribusiness Investment

Private and institutional investors are showing increasing interest in Africas agribusiness sector. Fertilizer blending plants, distribution networks, and logistics services are receiving capital infusion to build resilient supply chains and reach underserved markets.

2. Soil Degradation Demands Nutrient Replenishment

Soil erosion and nutrient depletion have led to lower crop productivity in many African regions. Fertilizers are essential to restoring soil health and increasing output. Blended and customized nutrient products are gaining momentum to address local agronomic needs.

3. Technological Innovations Supporting Precision Agriculture

Digital platforms, satellite data, and AI-powered tools are helping farmers make better fertilizer application decisions. Mobile apps offering weather data, soil testing, and advisory services are improving fertilizer efficiency and supporting informed usage, particularly among smallholder farmers.

4. Emergence of Local Production Facilities

To reduce dependency on imports and mitigate currency risks, many African countries are encouraging domestic fertilizer production. Countries like Morocco (with OCP Group), Nigeria (Dangote Group), and Egypt have established significant production capabilities, improving regional fertilizer access and price stability.

Challenges Hindering Growth

Despite the optimistic forecast, several challenges must be addressed to unlock the full potential of Africas fertilizer market:

• High Costs and Poor Distribution: Fertilizers remain unaffordable for many farmers due to import duties, transportation bottlenecks, and inefficient supply chains.

• Knowledge Gaps: Many smallholder farmers lack the technical know-how to apply fertilizers effectively and sustainably.

• Limited Access to Credit: Without access to finance, farmers cannot purchase sufficient or high-quality fertilizers.

• Environmental Concerns: Overuse or misuse of fertilizers can cause environmental degradation, water pollution, and reduced soil biodiversity if not managed carefully.

Competitive Landscape: Local and Global Players Shape the Market

Africas fertilizer market features a mix of global giants and emerging local players. Major companies operating in the region include:

• OCP Group (Morocco)

• Yara International

• Dangote Fertilizer (Nigeria)

• Notore Chemical Industries

• Israel Chemicals Ltd. (ICL)

• Haifa Group

• Omnia Holdings

• Fauji Fertilizer Company

These companies are actively investing in production facilities, farmer education, last-mile delivery, and digital agriculture platforms to strengthen their presence in the African market.

The Road Ahead: Sustainable Growth and Regional Resilience

With increasing government support, private investment, and technological intervention, the future of Africas fertilizer market looks promising. Stakeholders are focusing on improving affordability, accessibility, and responsible use of fertilizers to drive long-term agricultural productivity and rural development.

As Africa works to feed its growing population and transition toward sustainable agriculture, fertilizers will remain central to the continents green revolution.

New Publish Report:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE) Organic Dairy Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033
• UAE Meat Snacks Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033
• United Arab Emirates (UAE) E-Commerce Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033

About the Company

Renub Research is a Market Research and Consulting Company with more than 15 years of experience, especially in international Business-to-Business Research, Surveys, and Consulting. We provide a wide range of business research solutions that help companies make better business decisions. We partner with clients across all sectors and regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their businesses.

Our wide clientele includes key players in Healthcare, Travel & Tourism, Food & Beverages, Power & Energy, Information Technology, Telecom & Internet, Chemicals, Logistics & Automotive, Consumer Goods & Retail, Building & Construction, and Agriculture. Our core team comprises experienced professionals with graduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. qualifications in Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Bio-Technology, Medicine, Information Technology, Environmental Science, and more.

Media Contact:

Company Name: Renub Research
Contact Person: Rajat Gupta, Marketing Manager
Phone No: +91-120-421-9822 (IND) | +1-478-202-3244 (USA)
Email: rajat@renub.com
Website: https://www.renub.com

Explore the complete report with insights and forecasts: Africa Fertilizer Market Report