Overall market risk: As of June 2025, the West African fertilizer market is marked by heightened activity driven by favorable rainfall, steady import flows, and ongoing government support initiatives. Supply has generally kept pace with growing seasonal demand, ensuring availability across most countries. However, affordability remains a major concern for farmers, as rising production and import costs continue to influence retail prices. While some markets recorded relative price stability and others saw moderate increases, overall market functionality and accessibility have been maintained. Governments and importers remain vigilant, closely tracking international price movements and exchange rate fluctuations to manage supply costs and sustain market balance.
Côte d’Ivoire: In Ivory Coast, the fertilizer market remained well-supplied and stable in June 2025 as crop planting advanced toward its seasonal peak. Import volumes for the first half of the year reached approximately 450,000 tonnes, more than double initial forecasts and consistent with average consumption trends over the past two years. This strong supply ensured that demand was fully met, maintaining market stability. Prices also held steady, with a 50 kg bag of urea averaging 21,000 FCFA (US$35), NPK 0-23-19 at 19,500 FCFA (US$33), and NPK 15-15-15 at 22,000 FCFA (US$37). For cotton cultivation, no new prices have been set, leaving 2024 rates in place: 17,050 FCFA (US$28) for urea and 18,100 FCFA (US$30) for NPK 15-15-15 enriched with sulfur and boron (+6S +1B). While the outlook is stable, the market remains sensitive to potential shifts in international raw material prices, logistics costs, and government policy decisions on subsidies and regulations.
Ghana: The Ghanaian fertilizer market in June 2025 was marked by stable supply and moderate price adjustments, supported by both retail activity and government distribution programs. Average prices of basal NPK fertilizers and urea declined compared to May, with NPK dropping by 6% and urea by 2%, while ammonium sulphate remained stable. High-nitrogen blends such as NPK 25-10-10 continued to record strong demand in the Volta Region, especially in Kpando. In the Northern Regions, fertilizer distribution under government schemes and the Feed Ghana Programme reduced pressure on retail markets, contributing to affordability for farmers. By mid-year, fertilizer consumption exceeded 300,000 MT across product types, reflecting a well-functioning market. Retail prices in June averaged GHS 435.00 (US$42.04) for urea, GHS 500.00 (US$48.33) for NPK 23-10-5, GHS 400.00 (US$38.66) for NPK 20-10-10, and GHS 460.00 (US$44.46) for NPK 25-10-10, while ammonium sulphate held steady at GHS 320.00 (US$30.92). Overall, affordability challenges were limited, and ongoing government support ensured access across farming communities.
Nigeria: Nigeria entered the peak of the wet farming season in June 2025, with consistent rainfall driving widespread agricultural activity and steadily rising fertilizer demand across the country. While supply remains active, particularly from blending plants with access to raw materials, affordability challenges persist as prices continue to rise. Urea recorded the most significant increase, with factory prices jumping from ₦32,500 to ₦35,000 per 50kg bag, pushing average retail prices up by 4% to ₦740,400 (US$478) per ton. NPK prices also rose slightly, with NPK 15-15-15 averaging ₦955,540 (US$616) per ton and NPK 20-10-10 at ₦875,600 (US$565) per ton. Despite adequate availability of products, high costs—driven by raw material constraints, seasonal demand, and low import volumes linked to the ongoing transition into the third phase of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative—remain a concern for farmers nationwide.
Availability and Affordability: Fertilizer availability across West Africa was generally strong in June 2025, supported by steady imports and improved distribution as planting intensified. Côte d’Ivoire had imported over 450,000 tons, covering most of its seasonal needs, with stable prices due to effective stock management. Nigeria also saw increased demand driven by rainfall, but availability remained inadequate with 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 June 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.