Overall market risk: In September 2025, the West African fertilizer market entered a consolidation phase as the main planting season drew to a close. Demand gradually eased, shifting toward perennial and off-season crops such as cocoa, rice, and vegetables, while overall market activity remained stable. Adequate stock levels, strong import performance, and continued public and private sector interventions helped sustain supply across most markets. Retail outlets and distributors maintained good availability, and blending operations have begun scaling down production in line with the seasonal decline in demand. Market prices remained largely stable and, in some areas, softened slightly due to reduced buying pressure and high inventory levels, which in many cases exceeded average seasonal requirements. Importers, however, adopted a more cautious approach toward new purchases, citing uncertainties around future international price trends and logistics costs. Overall, fertilizer supply conditions across the region remained healthy as of September.
Côte d’Ivoire: In September 2025, Côte d’Ivoire’s fertilizer market entered a consolidation phase as the main agricultural season wound down, with demand largely sustained by perennial crops such as cocoa and off-season production of rice and vegetables. Retail outlets remained well stocked, ensuring smooth farmer access to inputs, while distributors focused on optimizing logistics to manage the slowdown in demand. Cumulative fertilizer imports at the end of August were estimated between 500,000 and 530,000 tonnes—significantly above the national annual requirement of around 350,000 tonnes—providing strong supply coverage and market balance. Prices across key products remained stable, with urea averaging 21,000 CFA francs ($35) per 50kg bag and NPK formulations ranging between 19,500 and 22,000 CFA francs ($33–$37), while official cotton sector prices held steady from the previous year. Although overall market conditions remain well balanced and risks low, some importers have adopted a cautious stance due to political uncertainty ahead of the elections and evolving international price and freight dynamics that could influence local market trends in the months ahead.
Ghana: In September 2025, fertilizer retail prices remained stable, with 50 kg bags priced at Urea GHS 400 ($32), Ammonium Sulphate GHS 280 ($23), and NPK GHS 450 ($36). Demand has slightly increased due to late-season applications during the minor rainy season in parts of southern Ghana. The government has started purchasing perishable produce, such as tomatoes, from local farmers for use in senior high schools. This initiative helps farmers in transitional zones overcome market access challenges despite bumper harvests. Overall, stable fertilizer prices, strong supply, and government support are expected to sustain crop productivity nationwide.
Nigeria: In September 2025, Nigeria’s fertilizer market experienced a seasonal slowdown as the rainy season gradually came to an end across most regions. With wet-season farming activities winding down, fertilizer demand naturally declined, particularly in the northern states where rains taper off earlier. Sales volumes dropped as farmers completed their planting cycles, leading to stable or slightly softer prices in several markets due to reduced buying pressure. Blending plants also scaled down operations in response to the close of the peak application window. On the supply side, the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), which recently assumed oversight of fertilizer import operations, reported that approximately 560,000 metric tons of raw materials—comprising DAP, MOP, and Granular Ammonium Sulphate (GAS)—had been discharged or were expected to arrive within the period, ensuring continued availability of blending inputs. Overall, the market remained stable with adequate supply, although activity levels moderated in line with seasonal demand trends.
Availability and Affordability: In September 2025, fertilizer availability and affordability across West Africa remained stable as the main planting season ended. Strong imports and sufficient inventories ensured steady supply, while government support programs helped maintain price stability. Demand eased with the seasonal end, leading some markets to record slightly lower prices. Despite cautious importer activity amid global cost uncertainties, fertilizers remained widely accessible, and overall market conditions were balanced, with no report of scarcity.
Distribution: In September 2025, fertilizer transportation and distribution networks across West Africa operated relatively smoothly, supported by efficient port activities, adequate trucking capacity, and improved coordination between importers, logistics providers, and government agencies. Major coastal entry points—particularly in Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana—reported steady vessel discharges and minimal congestion, allowing for timely movement of products to inland markets. Cross-border trade within the region also remained stable, facilitating the redistribution of fertilizer to landlocked countries and secondary markets. However, localized challenges persisted, particularly in parts of northeastern Nigeria where insecurity and movement restrictions continued to disrupt transport routes and delay deliveries. Despite these isolated constraints, overall logistics performance in September was strong, ensuring consistent product availability across most agricultural zones during the post-peak farming period.