Overall market risk: In July 2025, the West African fertilizer market showed a mixed picture of stability and upward price pressures, reflecting both strong seasonal demand and varying supply conditions across the region. In many areas, imports, government support programs, and international partnerships helped ensure steady availability of key products, allowing farmers to access inputs at relatively stable prices during the peak of agricultural activity. However, localized challenges—including raw material shortages for blending, rising ex-factory costs, and logistical pressures—contributed to price increases in some markets and limited overall consumption. Average retail prices for key products such as urea and NPK blends either held steady or rose moderately, depending on supply dynamics, with affordability remaining manageable in certain countries but strained in others. While short-term stability is expected to continue, the market remains sensitive to global fertilizer and energy price movements, regional logistics costs, and evolving government subsidy and regulatory policies that will shape affordability and access in the coming months.
Côte d’Ivoire: In July 2025, Ivory Coast’s fertilizer market remained stable, driven by strong seasonal demand and well-maintained supplies. Agricultural activity peaked as farmers increased purchases, prompting importers to reinforce stocks, with imports reaching over 480,000 tons between January and July—more than double initial forecasts and consistent with past consumption trends. Thanks to this proactive supply management, prices held steady, with a 50 kg bag trading at 21,000 FCFA ($35) for urea, 19,500 FCFA ($33) for NPK 0-23-19, and 22,000 FCFA ($37) for NPK 15-15-15. For cotton fertilizers, 2024 tariffs remain in force at 17,050 FCFA ($28) for urea and 18,100 FCFA ($30) for NPK 15-15-15 +6S +1B, pending new government announcements expected later in the month. While short-term stability is anticipated, the market remains sensitive to shifts in logistics costs, international raw material prices, and regulatory or subsidy policies.
Ghana: In July 2025, Ghana’s fertilizer market remained stable, with prices showing only minor shifts from June and no major affordability concerns for farmers. Imports and government programs ensured strong availability of key products, supported further by international donations aimed at strengthening food security and fair distribution. Despite global uncertainties, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, supply chains have remained resilient, with Russia still accounting for over 24% of Ghana’s fertilizer imports. Retail prices held steady: urea averaged GHS 435.00 ($41.28) per 50kg bag, NPK 23-10-5 stayed at GHS 500.00 ($47.46), NPK 20-10-10 at GHS 400.00 ($36.28), NPK 25-10-10 at GHS 460.00 ($41.72), and ammonium sulphate at GHS 320.00 ($29.02). This price stability, alongside strong supply and accessibility, has provided farmers with a predictable input environment during the peak agricultural season.
Nigeria: In July 2025, Nigeria’s fertilizer market experienced rising prices despite strong farming activity supported by consistent rainfall across much of the country. Demand for fertilizers has increased as farmers continue application, but supply challenges—particularly shortages of raw materials for NPK blending—have driven up costs and encouraged the circulation of adulterated products, keeping overall consumption lower than expected. Urea prices rose sharply, with the ex-factory rate increasing from ₦35,000 to ₦38,000 per 50kg bag, pushing the average retail price up 16% from ₦740,400 ($478) per ton in June to ₦863,600 ($563) in July. Blended products also saw notable hikes, with NPK 15-15-15 rising 11% to ₦1,065,380 ($694) per ton and NPK 20-10-10 climbing 8% to ₦942,000 ($614) per ton. Fertilizer imports dropped significantly as the country transitions into Phase III of the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI), with only 135,000 metric tons of raw materials imported so far compared to over 300,000 tons during the same period last year. Overall, while demand remains strong, supply shortages and rising costs continue to define the Nigerian fertilizer market.
Availability and Affordability: In July 2025, fertilizer availability in West Africa was largely stable, supported by imports, subsidies, and international programs, ensuring farmers could access key products during peak farming. However, affordability was uneven, with some countries benefiting from stable prices while others faced higher costs due to raw material shortages, rising factory prices, and logistics challenges. Overall, while supply remained steady, access depended heavily on policy support and effective supply management.
Distribution: In July 2025, fertilizer transport across West Africa remained largely efficient, with Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana reporting smooth port operations and reliable inland distribution. Cross-border flows were stable overall, though movement in Northeast Nigeria continued to face restrictions due to insecurity in the region.