Overall market risk: Farming activities across West Africa are gradually picking up with the onset of the rainy season, though the pace varies across regions depending on rainfall levels. Fertilizer availability remains generally stable, thanks to a combination of local production, steady import flows, and carryover inventories. Prices are mostly holding steady, though slight increases are noted in areas where planting has begun. Importers in some countries are actively building stock while monitoring international price movements. While short-term risks are minimal, logistics and external market pressures could influence supply and pricing. Overall, the region is well-positioned to support the 2025 planting season.
Côte d’Ivoire: As the planting season nears, fertilizer importers are actively replenishing stocks, supported by consistent supply flows and close monitoring of global price trends. A total of 275,676 metric tons—representing about 79% of the estimated annual need—was imported in Q1 2025, ensuring good availability and reducing short-term supply risks. Market prices remain generally stable, with urea selling at 21,000 FCFA ($35), NPK 0-23-19 at 19,500 FCFA ($33), and NPK 15-15-15 at 22,000 FCFA ($37). For cotton farming, 2024 prices are still in use pending official updates. While stability is expected in the short term, external factors like logistics, raw material costs, and policy changes may influence future prices.
Ghana: Fertilizer prices have experienced mild fluctuations, with most products trending upward as farmers actively seek supplies for the ongoing planting season. Urea prices rose by about 2%, while NPK prices saw a slight decline. In Ghana, the recent appreciation of the cedi has led to higher fertilizer costs in USD terms. Over 70,000 metric tons were discharged at Tema Port in April, boosting national inventory. Meanwhile, smallholder farmers are calling on the government to address the shortcomings of the PFJ program in the design of the new “Feed Ghana” initiative.
Nigeria: In April, farming activity across Nigeria was uneven, largely influenced by the onset of rainfall. Planting is actively underway in areas with established rains, while regions with emerging rainfall are still preparing land, and dry areas remain largely inactive. This has led to rising fertilizer demand in active zones, though it remains low elsewhere. Blending activities have increased in response to the wet season, with over 30 plants producing more than 155,000 metric tons of NPK so far this year. Although new raw material imports are limited, carryover stocks from 2024 are supporting production. Fertilizer prices remain relatively stable, though slight increases have been observed in farming zones, with urea’s ex-factory price at ₦32,500 and retail prices varying by region due to transport costs.
Availability and Affordability: In April 2025, fertilizer prices across the region showed a mix of stability and slight increases, largely influenced by the pace of farming activities. Areas where planting had already begun experienced mild price hikes due to rising demand, while regions with delayed rainfall and limited farming saw stable pricing. Overall, demand for fertilizers remained moderate to high as preparations for the planting season continued. Price stability was supported by steady import flows, effective stock management, and balanced supply conditions, helping to minimize sharp fluctuations across most markets.
Distribution: In April 2025, fertilizer logistics across key West African ports and transport routes remained largely smooth. Port operations in major entry points, including Abidjan, San Pedro, Tema, and Takoradi, faced no significant delays, ensuring steady import flows. Inland transportation was generally unhindered, though security-related challenges in some areas in Nigeria continued to restrict access, particularly affecting farmers in more vulnerable regions.