Fertilizer trade plays a crucial role in improving food security across Africa, yet many farmers still struggle to access these essential agricultural inputs. New insights from the 2025 Africa Agriculture Trade Monitor Report highlight how expanding fertilizer availability and improving trade systems could significantly boost agricultural productivity on the continent.

According to research by Rajalakshmi Nirmal, fertilizer accessibility remains one of the most critical yet overlooked factors shaping the future of African farming and the continent’s efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency.

The Fertilizer Paradox in Africa

Fertilizers are vital for supplying crops with nutrients that increase yields and improve agricultural productivity. Higher yields can make food more affordable, reduce production costs, and limit the need to expand farmland, helping prevent deforestation.

Despite these benefits, fertilizer use in Africa remains the lowest in the world.

In 2018, fertilizer application in sub-Saharan Africa averaged just 22.3 kilograms per hectare, compared to the global average of 139 kilograms per hectare. As a result, cereal yields in the region are only about 40% of the global average.

Historically, most agricultural production growth in Africa has come from expanding farmland rather than improving productivity, highlighting the need for greater input use and technological adoption.

Fertilizer Use Across the Continent

Fertilizer consumption in Africa has grown steadily in recent decades. Inorganic fertilizer use doubled between 2000 and 2020, although it declined by 14% in 2022 following disruptions caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Nitrogen fertilizers account for 63% of total fertilizer use in Africa, with urea being the most widely applied product.

However, fertilizer consumption varies significantly across the continent:

• North Africa accounts for 36% of Africa’s fertilizer use
• Central Africa represents only 3% of total consumption

At the country level:

• Egypt leads with 414 kg per hectare
• Mauritius follows with 144 kg per hectare
• South Africa averages 80 kg per hectare
• Meanwhile, 37 African countries use less than 25 kg per hectare, highlighting major productivity gaps.

Africa’s Fertilizer Production and Export Hubs

Fertilizer production in Africa has increased by 165% since 2000, outpacing consumption.

Two countries dominate the sector:

• Morocco — the continent’s largest phosphate fertilizer producer
• Egypt — the leading nitrogen fertilizer producer

Other producers include:

• Nigeria and Libya — nitrogen fertilizers
• Tanzania — phosphate fertilizers

The continent recorded a fertilizer trade surplus of $5.8 billion in 2023, driven largely by exports from Morocco, Egypt, and Nigeria’s large fertilizer plants.

However, fertilizer exports remain highly concentrated, with 10 countries controlling 97% of Africa’s fertilizer exports.

Trade Barriers and Infrastructure Challenges

Despite Africa’s fertilizer surplus, many farmers across the continent still face shortages and high prices.

This paradox exists because transport costs, infrastructure gaps, and fragmented trade policies make fertilizer distribution inefficient.

For example, shipping fertilizer from Mombasa to Kigali can increase retail prices by as much as 45%, making it difficult for smallholder farmers to afford the inputs they need.

Additionally, the lack of harmonized fertilizer trade regulations across African countries often leads to bureaucratic delays and higher transaction costs.

Global Trade Policies Impact Fertilizer Markets

Globally, fertilizer trade policies are heavily influenced by subsidies and export restrictions.

About 65% of global trade measures involve subsidies, while 21% relate to export controls.

Major global players such as the European Union, China, and Turkey have introduced measures that significantly influence fertilizer supply and pricing worldwide.

Within Africa, Egypt recently adjusted its fertilizer policies to allow companies to export up to 55% of their production, helping manufacturers offset reduced energy subsidies while maintaining domestic supply.

Fertilizer Access and Food Security

Fertilizer availability plays a major role in determining food production levels. However, many African countries still rely heavily on fertilizer imports.

Countries such as Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia remain particularly vulnerable to global price volatility.

While fertilizer subsidy programs can support farmers, studies show they sometimes lead to market distortions, smuggling, and supply leakages.

In many cases, structural challenges such as poor infrastructure and weak regulatory oversight limit the effectiveness of subsidy programs.

Regional Integration Could Improve Fertilizer Access

Experts say improving fertilizer trade within Africa will require greater regional integration and policy coordination.

The African Continental Free Trade Area could play a crucial role by reducing trade barriers and improving supply chains across the continent.

At the same time, agricultural experts emphasize the need for a balanced nutrient strategy, combining inorganic fertilizers with organic alternatives such as livestock manure.

Ultimately, improving logistics, strengthening trade governance, and expanding regional fertilizer markets will be critical to ensuring Africa’s fertilizer surplus reaches the farmers who need it most.

As Africa works to increase agricultural productivity and reduce food imports, fertilizer trade will remain a cornerstone of the continent’s food security strategy.