Category: Highlights

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.

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.

Overall market risk: In August 2025, the West African fertilizer market remained broadly stable, supported by strong import flows, government subsidy programs, and international interventions that sustained supply during the peak of the farming season. Availability was generally adequate across most markets, though blending operations in some areas faced pressure from limited raw material inflows. Price dynamics varied: while urea recorded slight declines in certain markets, improving affordability for farmers in the late application window, NPK products largely remained high or stable, reflecting ongoing demand and tighter supply conditions. Subsidy measures and targeted support programs, including input assistance for cash crops, continued to cushion farmers against higher costs, but access remained uneven, especially where logistics and ex-factory costs were elevated. Overall, the region entered the latter part of the growing season with stable supply conditions, though market outcomes continued to depend on the balance between government support, import volumes, and international price and freight trends.

Côte d’Ivoire: In August 2025, Côte d’Ivoire’s agricultural season reached its peak, sustaining strong fertilizer demand, which has been well met by distributors maintaining sufficient stocks across key production zones. Cumulative imports surpassed 480,000 MT by the end of July—30% above the five-year average—ensuring ample availability and smooth market functioning. On the open market, fertilizer prices remained stable, with urea trading at 21,000 FCFA ($35) per 50kg bag, NPK 0-23-19 at 19,500 FCFA ($33), and NPK 15-15-15 at 22,000 FCFA ($37). In the cotton sector, the government confirmed support of 25.3 billion FCFA to maintain the seed cotton purchase price and stabilize fertilizer transfer prices at 17,050 FCFA ($28) for urea and 18,100 FCFA ($30) for NPK 15-15-15 +6S+1B, unchanged from 2024. Overall, the market outlook remains favorable, though stakeholders remain alert to potential risks from international commodity price movements and rising logistics costs.

Ghana: In August 2025, Ghana’s fertilizer market experienced modest price declines that eased input costs for farmers, with urea down 8%, ammonium sulphate 12.5%, and NPK 10%, improving affordability for key crops such as maize, rice, and cocoa. By the end of August, fertilizer imports had surpassed 400,000 MT, with volumes projected to exceed 500,000 MT by year-end, supported by government distribution programs and strengthened cocoa sector initiatives, including free fertilizer provision and a 4% increase in the farmgate price. Despite global supply chain pressures from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ghana’s fertilizer imports remain resilient, with Russia supplying about 24% of volumes so far in 2025. Overall, the combination of reduced prices, strong import flows, and government interventions is expected to support higher fertilizer adoption and sustain crop productivity across the country.

Nigeria: In August 2025, Nigeria remained in the peak of the rainy season, with active farming sustaining fertilizer demand, though high prices and persistent scarcity of NPK products continued to constrain access and expose farmers to risks of adulterated supplies. While NPK fertilizers such as 15-15-15 and 20-10-10 remained relatively stable at ₦1,065,380 ($692) and ₦942,000 ($612) per ton respectively, they stayed high and less affordable for most farmers. Urea prices, however, declined slightly by 2.4% to ₦842,540 ($548) per ton, reflecting improved availability and a seasonal shift in application as crops mature. On the supply side, no imports of raw materials for blending were recorded in August, further straining local production capacity and tightening availability. Overall, the market shows a mixed trend of stable but costly NPK products and modestly easing urea prices, underscoring the need to address supply bottlenecks to stabilize farmer access.

Availability and Affordability: In August 2025, fertilizer availability across West Africa remained generally stable, supported by steady import flows, government subsidies, and international programs that ensured farmers could access key products during the peak farming season. Nigeria was the exception, experiencing mild scarcity driven by limited raw material inflows for blending. Affordability, however, varied across the region: some countries benefited from stable prices, while others faced higher costs linked to raw material shortages, rising factory gate prices, and logistics bottlenecks. Overall, while supply conditions were relatively steady, farmer access continued to depend largely on policy interventions and effective supply chain management.

Distribution: In August 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.

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.

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.