Overall market risk: In October 2025, fertilizer markets across West Africa remained stable and well-supplied, supported by strong imports, efficient logistics, and adequate stock levels. Demand eased in northern areas after the main cropping season but stayed moderate in southern regions due to ongoing vegetable and perennial crop production. Prices were generally stable, with Urea and key NPK blends widely available. Overall, the market remained balanced and well-functioning, though stakeholders continued to monitor global price and shipping cost fluctuations.
Côte d’Ivoire: In October 2025, Côte d’Ivoire’s fertilizer market remained resilient and well-supplied, supported by cumulative imports estimated between 560,000 and 570,000 tons as of September—significantly higher than volumes recorded in 2023 and 2024. Although early October saw a brief slowdown linked to the presidential elections, activity quickly rebounded as importers moved to secure stocks ahead of the cotton tender closing in November. Demand during the month was moderate, mainly driven by vegetable cultivation, while fertilizer use for cocoa, cotton, and cereals remained subdued. Market prices for major products were largely stable, with urea averaging 21,000 FCFA ($35), NPK 0-23-19 at 19,500 FCFA ($33), and NPK 15-15-15 at 22,000 FCFA ($37). On the regulated cotton market, official prices, supported by a government subsidy of 25.3 billion FCFA—have remained unchanged for three consecutive years. Overall, the fertilizer market is expected to stay balanced in the near term, though global price volatility and elevated logistics costs continue to pose potential risks.
Ghana: In October, Ghana’s fertilizer market remained stable in terms of supply but showed mixed price movements across products and regions. Adequate stock levels were maintained nationwide, supported by efficient port operations and steady imports—largely from Russia, which continued as the leading supplier without disruption. Demand slowed in the northern regions following the close of the major cropping season, while southern Ghana sustained moderate year-round activity driven by vegetable and perennial crop production. Prices for NPK fertilizers declined by 4–11% across regions, Ammonium Sulphate remained stable, and Urea recorded a modest uptick due to seasonal demand, global price adjustments, and the cedi’s recent appreciation. Urea, Ammonium Sulphate, and key NPK blends (20-10-10 and 23-10-5) remained the most traded fertilizers, widely available across retail and wholesale markets. Ongoing support from MoFA, COCOBOD, and private sector partners such as Solevo underscored Ghana’s continued commitment to ensuring fertilizer access and agricultural productivity ahead of the 2025 National Farmers Day celebration.
Nigeria: In October, Nigeria’s fertilizer market experienced a noticeable slowdown as the country transitioned from the rainy to the dry season. With rainfall ceasing in most northern regions, wet-season farming activities drew to a close, shifting farmers’ attention toward harvesting and storage. This seasonal change led to a sharp decline in fertilizer demand nationwide, leaving agrodealers with ample stock and minimal sales activity. Blending plants scaled back operations to manage existing inventories, while overall market activity remained subdued. Prices for major fertilizer types continued to edge downward in line with the typical end-of-season trend. Urea prices fell by about 1.1%, influenced by earlier reductions in ex-factory rates, while NPK 15-15-15 and NPK 20-10-10 both recorded modest declines of 0.4%. Looking ahead, limited but gradual demand is anticipated as dry-season farming preparations begin, particularly in northern areas where irrigation-based cultivation is more common.
Availability and Affordability: In October 2025, fertilizer availability across West Africa remained stable, with adequate stock levels and no major supply disruptions. Demand slowed following the end of the rainy season, especially in northern areas, while southern regions maintained moderate year-round demand. Urea and common NPK blends were widely available across markets, and overall, the fertilizer sector remained well balanced, supported by strong inventories and efficient distribution, despite ongoing concerns about global price and shipping volatility.
Distribution: In October 2025, fertilizer transportation and distribution across West Africa remained largely efficient, with ports operating smoothly and adequate trucking capacity supporting steady product movement to inland and cross-border markets. Coordination among importers, logistics firms, and government agencies continued to facilitate timely deliveries, despite a seasonal slowdown in demand. Minor disruptions were reported in a few isolated areas due to security (North East Nigeria) and road conditions, but overall logistics performance remained stable, ensuring reliable fertilizer availability throughout the region.