Overall market risk: In May 2025, the agricultural season was actively underway across West Africa, with planting and input application activities intensifying due to the arrival or progression of rains. Fertilizer demand increased in all three countries as farmers moved from land preparation to planting and fertilization. Countries ensured early-season preparedness by importing significant volumes of fertilizer ahead of the season, resulting in generally good product availability.
Despite variations in pricing trends stability in some markets and slight increases in others, the overall market remained functional and accessible. Governments and importers closely monitored international price trends and exchange rates to manage supply costs. Government-supported distribution programs (like Ghana’s Feed Ghana) contributed to easing farmer access, while steady domestic production (especially in Nigeria) helped maintain supply.
Côte d’Ivoire: The agricultural season in Côte d’Ivoire began in May with the onset of significant rainfall, triggering active planting and increased fertilizer demand. Importers had proactively stocked up, with over 300,000 metric tons imported in April, about 86% of the annual requirement ensuring strong product availability. Fertilizer prices remained stable, with urea averaging 21,000 FCFA, NPK 0-23-19 at 19,500 FCFA, and NPK 15-15-15 at 22,000 FCFA per 50kg bag. Cotton fertilizer prices were still pending release, with 2024 rates temporarily in use. Price stability is expected to hold in the short term, although external factors like logistics, global raw material costs, and regulatory decisions may influence future pricing.
Ghana: Fertilizer demand in Ghana surged as farmers entered the planting season, particularly seeking basal NPK products. Average prices increased slightly month-on-month—urea by 3%, NPK by 6%, and ammonium sulphate by 1%. Despite the Ghanaian cedi appreciating against the U.S. dollar, the price hikes were attributed to older stock acquired under weaker exchange rates. Fertilizer remained widely available nationwide, with no reported shortages. The government supported access through the Feed Ghana program, distributing about 1,000 bags of fertilizer to vegetable farmers in selected communities. Ghana’s fertilizer market continues to perform steadily, with sufficient availability and manageable price movements.
Nigeria: In Nigeria, rainfall patterns in May shifted farming activities into high gear across the country. In the Northeast and Northwest, where rains arrived later, farmers began land preparation and early planting, while Southern and North Central zones advanced to fertilizer application stages. Fertilizer availability improved in line with seasonal demand, supported by ongoing blending and steady urea production. Prices remained relatively stable nationwide, with the ex-factory price of urea holding at ₦32,500. Farmers across regions were actively purchasing fertilizers for planting and application. With domestic production and regional distribution in full swing, Nigeria’s fertilizer market remained resilient and responsive to growing demand.
Availability and Affordability: Fertilizer availability across West Africa was generally strong in May 2025, supported by steady imports and improved distribution as planting intensified. Côte d’Ivoire had imported over 300,000 tons, covering most of its seasonal needs, with stable prices due to effective stock management. In Ghana, demand rose sharply with the onset of planting, particularly for basal fertilizers like NPK 20-10-10 and 23-10-5, pushing prices upward despite a stronger cedi. Nigeria also saw increased demand driven by rainfall, but availability remained adequate with no reported scarcity. Across the region, while fertilizers are largely accessible, affordability is becoming a concern as prices begin to edge up due to rising raw material costs and seasonal demand pressures.
Distribution: In May 2025, fertilizer transport across West Africa was generally smooth. Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana reported efficient port operations and steady inland distribution, with no major disruptions. The cross-border movement of goods remained stable except for Northeast Nigeria, where insecurity continued to restrict fertilizer movement.