Category: Highlights

Overall market risk: In May 2025, the agricultural season was actively underway across West Africa, with planting and input application activities intensifying due to the arrival or progression of rains. Fertilizer demand increased in all three countries as farmers moved from land preparation to planting and fertilization. Countries ensured early-season preparedness by importing significant volumes of fertilizer ahead of the season, resulting in generally good product availability.

Despite variations in pricing trends stability in some markets and slight increases in others, the overall market remained functional and accessible. Governments and importers closely monitored international price trends and exchange rates to manage supply costs. Government-supported distribution programs (like Ghana’s Feed Ghana) contributed to easing farmer access, while steady domestic production (especially in Nigeria) helped maintain supply.

Côte d’Ivoire: The agricultural season in Côte d’Ivoire began in May with the onset of significant rainfall, triggering active planting and increased fertilizer demand. Importers had proactively stocked up, with over 300,000 metric tons imported in April, about 86% of the annual requirement ensuring strong product availability. Fertilizer prices remained stable, with urea averaging 21,000 FCFA, NPK 0-23-19 at 19,500 FCFA, and NPK 15-15-15 at 22,000 FCFA per 50kg bag. Cotton fertilizer prices were still pending release, with 2024 rates temporarily in use. Price stability is expected to hold in the short term, although external factors like logistics, global raw material costs, and regulatory decisions may influence future pricing.

Ghana: Fertilizer demand in Ghana surged as farmers entered the planting season, particularly seeking basal NPK products. Average prices increased slightly month-on-month—urea by 3%, NPK by 6%, and ammonium sulphate by 1%. Despite the Ghanaian cedi appreciating against the U.S. dollar, the price hikes were attributed to older stock acquired under weaker exchange rates. Fertilizer remained widely available nationwide, with no reported shortages. The government supported access through the Feed Ghana program, distributing about 1,000 bags of fertilizer to vegetable farmers in selected communities. Ghana’s fertilizer market continues to perform steadily, with sufficient availability and manageable price movements.

Nigeria: In Nigeria, rainfall patterns in May shifted farming activities into high gear across the country. In the Northeast and Northwest, where rains arrived later, farmers began land preparation and early planting, while Southern and North Central zones advanced to fertilizer application stages. Fertilizer availability improved in line with seasonal demand, supported by ongoing blending and steady urea production. Prices remained relatively stable nationwide, with the ex-factory price of urea holding at ₦32,500. Farmers across regions were actively purchasing fertilizers for planting and application. With domestic production and regional distribution in full swing, Nigeria’s fertilizer market remained resilient and responsive to growing demand.

Availability and Affordability: Fertilizer availability across West Africa was generally strong in May 2025, supported by steady imports and improved distribution as planting intensified. Côte d’Ivoire had imported over 300,000 tons, covering most of its seasonal needs, with stable prices due to effective stock management. In Ghana, demand rose sharply with the onset of planting, particularly for basal fertilizers like NPK 20-10-10 and 23-10-5, pushing prices upward despite a stronger cedi. Nigeria also saw increased demand driven by rainfall, but availability remained adequate with no 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 May 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.

Overall market risk: Farming activities across West Africa are gradually picking up with the onset of the rainy season, though the pace varies across regions depending on rainfall levels. Fertilizer availability remains generally stable, thanks to a combination of local production, steady import flows, and carryover inventories. Prices are mostly holding steady, though slight increases are noted in areas where planting has begun. Importers in some countries are actively building stock while monitoring international price movements. While short-term risks are minimal, logistics and external market pressures could influence supply and pricing. Overall, the region is well-positioned to support the 2025 planting season.

Côte d’Ivoire: As the planting season nears, fertilizer importers are actively replenishing stocks, supported by consistent supply flows and close monitoring of global price trends. A total of 275,676 metric tons—representing about 79% of the estimated annual need—was imported in Q1 2025, ensuring good availability and reducing short-term supply risks. Market prices remain generally stable, with urea selling at 21,000 FCFA ($35), NPK 0-23-19 at 19,500 FCFA ($33), and NPK 15-15-15 at 22,000 FCFA ($37). For cotton farming, 2024 prices are still in use pending official updates. While stability is expected in the short term, external factors like logistics, raw material costs, and policy changes may influence future prices.

Ghana: Fertilizer prices have experienced mild fluctuations, with most products trending upward as farmers actively seek supplies for the ongoing planting season. Urea prices rose by about 2%, while NPK prices saw a slight decline. In Ghana, the recent appreciation of the cedi has led to higher fertilizer costs in USD terms. Over 70,000 metric tons were discharged at Tema Port in April, boosting national inventory. Meanwhile, smallholder farmers are calling on the government to address the shortcomings of the PFJ program in the design of the new “Feed Ghana” initiative.

Nigeria: In April, farming activity across Nigeria was uneven, largely influenced by the onset of rainfall. Planting is actively underway in areas with established rains, while regions with emerging rainfall are still preparing land, and dry areas remain largely inactive. This has led to rising fertilizer demand in active zones, though it remains low elsewhere. Blending activities have increased in response to the wet season, with over 30 plants producing more than 155,000 metric tons of NPK so far this year. Although new raw material imports are limited, carryover stocks from 2024 are supporting production. Fertilizer prices remain relatively stable, though slight increases have been observed in farming zones, with urea’s ex-factory price at ₦32,500 and retail prices varying by region due to transport costs.

Availability and Affordability: In April 2025, fertilizer prices across the region showed a mix of stability and slight increases, largely influenced by the pace of farming activities. Areas where planting had already begun experienced mild price hikes due to rising demand, while regions with delayed rainfall and limited farming saw stable pricing. Overall, demand for fertilizers remained moderate to high as preparations for the planting season continued. Price stability was supported by steady import flows, effective stock management, and balanced supply conditions, helping to minimize sharp fluctuations across most markets.

Distribution: In April 2025, fertilizer logistics across key West African ports and transport routes remained largely smooth. Port operations in major entry points, including Abidjan, San Pedro, Tema, and Takoradi, faced no significant delays, ensuring steady import flows. Inland transportation was generally unhindered, though security-related challenges in some areas in Nigeria continued to restrict access, particularly affecting farmers in more vulnerable regions.

Overall market risk: In March 2025, the West African fertilizer market maintained overall stability, marked by adequate supply, steady prices, and a gradual rise in demand as wet season activities began in some areas. The Southern parts of the region, particularly Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, witnessed the early onset of rains, prompting farmers to commence land preparation and planting. This seasonal transition is beginning to drive fertilizer demand upward, although demand remains modest in areas still experiencing the dry season. Fertilizer prices remained generally stable across the region, with no significant supply shortages reported. Governments and private stakeholders are actively preparing for peak season demand through stockpiling and support initiatives aimed at ensuring availability and affordability.

Côte d’Ivoire: In preparation for the May planting season, importers significantly increased fertilizer stocks, bringing total volumes in early March to around 150,000 tons. While most farmers are still maintaining fields rather than planting, the early buildup ensures supply readiness. Fertilizer prices remained stable, with key products such as Urea, NPK 15-15-15, and NPK 0-23-19 showing no significant changes. Cotton fertilizer prices are expected to be revised in April or May. Market stability is projected to continue, although external factors such as international logistics and raw material costs could influence pricing

Ghana: Fertilizer prices stayed relatively stable in March, despite continued depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi. Import levels rose, with 20,000–25,000 tons added to existing stock, ensuring sufficient supply. No shortages were reported. The government and partner organizations are working to support affordability and availability, especially for farmers affected by the 2024 dry spell.

Nigeria: In March, rainfall marked the beginning of the wet season in the Southern and North Central regions, prompting early land preparation and planting. This has led to a gradual rise in fertilizer demand in these zones, while the Northern region remains in the dry season with low demand. NPK prices remained stable, but Urea prices showed occasional fluctuations due to varying ex-factory costs. Fertilizer availability remains strong nationwide, with blending plants expected to ramp up production to meet rising demand as the season progresses.

Availability and Affordability: In March 2025, fertilizer market conditions across West Africa remained largely stable, with strong supply levels and gradually increasing demand as preparations for the new planting season began. Fertilizer prices stayed relatively flat across Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, while Nigeria experienced slight price increases, particularly for Urea and NPK products, due to early season farming activities. Across the region, the availability of fertilizers was strong, supported by steady import volumes and proactive stock management by importers and distributors. Although demand has remained moderate in some areas, market actors are gearing up for an expected uptick in consumption as the wet season progresses.

Distribution: In March 2025, fertilizer transport and logistics across West Africa remained largely stable, enabling smooth product flow to major agricultural regions. Most countries reported no significant disruptions at seaports or along major transportation corridors. However, localized challenges persist in specific areas.

Overall market risk: At the start of 2025, fertilizer demand across West Africa remained low due to the conclusion of the main agricultural season in the previous year. As a result, market activity slowed significantly, reflecting reduced input requirements from farmers. Off-season cultivation, especially vegetables and irrigated crops, continued in some selected areas, sustaining minimal fertilizer use. These off-season activities provided some support to fertilizer sales but had limited impact on overall regional demand. In general, demand was below peak-season levels.

Côte d’Ivoire: Fertilizer demand remained low due to the end of the main farming season, with activity mainly driven by off-season vegetable and irrigated crops. However, 2024 imports of 600,000 tons, well above the 350,000-ton annual need, ensured strong supply and reduced shortage risks. This surplus allows better stock planning, especially for cotton and cocoa, with cocoa fertilizer use surpassing 100,000 tons for a second year. Increased cocoa revenues are expected to boost farmers’ ability to purchase fertilizers for the next season.

Ghana: Fertilizer prices for key products like Urea, Ammonium Sulphate, and NPK 23-10-5 remained stable, supported by low off-season demand. Fertilizer availability was not a concern, but stakeholder activity remained minimal as the new year began. The incoming agricultural leadership announced plans to promote household gardening, while farmer associations urged the government to reinstate fertilizer subsidies to ease production costs.

Nigeria: Nigeria’s fertilizer market also experienced reduced demand due to the ongoing dry season, with only a gradual pickup in the north where dry-season farming is more common. Although the expected surge in demand hasn’t materialized, agrodealers remain hopeful. NPK prices stayed largely stable, with minor decreases, while Urea prices showed some instability due to shifting ex-factory rates. Overall, fertilizer availability remains sufficient, and there is no current pressure on supply.

Senegal: At the start of 2025, agricultural activity in Senegal is centered on the off-season, especially irrigated rice cultivation, which is vital for food security and reducing import reliance. However, access to agricultural inputs remains limited, with DAP and urea in particularly high demand due to their critical role in rice production.

Availability and Affordability: Fertilizer availability remained strong across West Africa in January 2025, with countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire reporting adequate stocks and no major shortages. Senegal also received limited volumes, ensuring some availability to support off-season activities, particularly irrigated rice production. This regional supply stability was supported by high import volumes, efficient port operations, and carryover stocks from the previous year. However, affordability remains a key concern, driven by currency fluctuations, inflation, and high transportation costs. While stable or reduced prices provided some relief for off-season farmers, particularly in accessible areas, rural and remote communities continue to face access challenges.

Distribution: In January 2025, fertilizer imports and distribution across West Africa continued smoothly, with minimal logistical disruptions reported. Port operations remained efficient in key entry points such as Tema and Takoradi in Ghana, Abidjan and San Pedro in Côte d’Ivoire, Apapa and Onne in Nigeria and Dakar Port in Senegal. These ports facilitated steady inflows of fertilizers, supporting adequate supply across regional markets. However, northern Nigeria continued to face access challenges due to persistent insecurity, which disrupted transportation and distribution networks. As a result, farmers in affected areas had trouble obtaining fertilizers compared to other regions with more stable conditions.

Overall market risk: In December 2024, West Africa’s fertilizer market experienced varied trends influenced by seasonal and regional dynamics. Across the region, the market reflected weak demand due to ongoing harvest and post-harvest activities, although off-season crops like vegetables and rice kept fertilizer use steady in some locations. The start of the dry season farming in some areas supported fertilizer application. Subsidized fertilizers remained a key feature, with prices relatively stable across most countries, ensuring accessibility for farmers. 

There was smuggling of subsidized fertilizers, and currency fluctuations in some locations. Some middlemen leveraged favorable exchange rates for input purchases. Increased use of liquid fertilizers by vegetable growers highlighted changing farming practices. Logistical challenges and high costs persisted, despite government efforts to improve infrastructure and support smallholders in some of the locations. Meanwhile, dependency on imports left some markets vulnerable to global price shocks and logistical disruptions. 

Overall, the region showed resilience in ensuring fertilizer availability, but issues like affordability, smuggling, and infrastructural limitations require further attention to support sustainable agricultural growth.

Côte d’Ivoire: In December 2024, the fertilizer market remained inactive with low demand, due to ongoing harvest and post-harvest activities. Off-season crops, particularly market gardening, and irrigated crops, kept demand steady. The return of rains supported fertilizer application for off-season crops. Fertilizer supply remained sufficient, with imports surpassing 600,000 MT, well above the estimated annual demand of 350,000 MT. Fertilizer prices remained stable, with Urea at CFA 21,000 (35 USD) per 50kg, and NPK 15-15-15 at CFA 22,000 (37 USD). Cotton fertilizers also saw no price changes. Despite low demand, the supply chain remained robust, with main importers ensuring adequate stock levels. The impact of the Ukraine-Russia crisis was minimal, with alternative sourcing strategies maintaining a steady supply.

Gambia: December is a pivotal month in the agricultural calendar, marked by high trade activity and input purchases for dry-season rice and horticultural farming. Despite stable fertilizer prices at D1,100 per 50kg bag, the rising GMD exchange rate impacts affordability, while Senegalese buyers exploit cross-border price differences. The use of liquid fertilizers is increasing among vegetable growers.  Subsidized fertilizers remain accessible, with unsold stocks sufficient to meet dry-season demand, although smuggling through border markets persists. Nursery preparations for rice and vegetables are underway, supported by manure used by commercial farmers to meet export demands. Government initiatives and projects like ROOTS and GRAV continue to aid key rice-growing regions. Global disruptions from the Russia-Ukraine war, including rising transportation costs and maritime challenges, have affected fertilizer distribution. Despite this, the current stock levels are adequate for dry-season irrigation, ensuring availability through agents, vendors, and large enterprises.

Ghana: In December, fertilizer prices in the country remained steady for products like Urea, Ammonium Sulphate, and NPK 23-10-5, reflecting reduced off-season farming demand. Prices stood at GHS 288.00 ($19.59)for Ammonium Sulphate, GHS 422.69 ($28.76) for Urea, and GHS 524.55 ($35.69) for NPK 23-10-5, with slight dollar variations due to the appreciation of the Ghana cedi.  Fertilizers were consistently available throughout the year, with sufficient stocks reported across retail shops nationwide. Farmers have begun early purchases for the 2025 planting season, anticipating potential price increases. Despite the absence of major tenders, supply stability has been maintained. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has not disrupted fertilizer imports, ensuring uninterrupted availability.

Liberia: In December 2023, Liberia’s fertilizer market experienced stable prices due to reduced farming activities during the mid-dry season. Fertilizer demand remained low as farmers focused on harvests and land preparation, affecting agrodealer sales. Prices for NPK 15-15-15 and Urea ranged between $43.65 and $48.50 per 50kg bag, unchanged from the previous month. Despite sufficient supply, logistical challenges and reliance on imports kept fertilizer costs high compared to neighboring countries. The exchange rate, now at USD 1 to LD 180, influenced market transactions, predominantly conducted in U.S. dollars, posing accessibility barriers for many farmers. Urban centers like Monrovia reported adequate stocks, but rural distribution faced delays and higher transportation costs. Some farmers near borders sourced fertilizers from neighboring countries with better supply chains. The Ukraine-Russia conflict continued to disrupt global fertilizer markets, causing reduced imports, higher prices, and strained supply chains in Liberia. Efforts to enhance infrastructure, streamline distribution, and implement subsidies are crucial to improving access and affordability for smallholder farmers and ensuring agricultural productivity and food security.

Nigeria: From November to December, dry-season farming activities began in Nigeria, particularly in the Northern region, leading to an increase in fertilizer demand and a slight rise in fertilizer prices. NPK prices in the north increased due to the onset of dry-season farming, while prices in the south remained stable due to lower demand. Urea prices declined slightly, following a reduction in ex-factory prices. In December, the average retail price of Urea decreased by 0.5%, while NPK 15-15-15 rose by 0.2%, and NPK 20-10-10 saw a marginal increase of 0.06%. Fertilizer availability remained stable with no reported shortages, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict had minimal impact on Nigeria’s fertilizer supply chain.

Senegal: In December 2024, following a review of the crop year’s performance, lessons were learned, and attention shifted to planning for the next season. Both public and private sectors faced limitations, especially in the subsidy program for small-scale producers. While the production season was largely successful, subsidies remain insufficient, covering less than 40% of farmers’ needs. On the open market, fertilizer prices showed some changes, with Urea stable at CFA 18,000 and NPK 6-20-10 rising by 38.33%. Magnesium Sulfate and Potassium Sulfate prices decreased, while Zinc Sulfate remained unchanged. For the 2024 dry season, 20,500 MT of Urea and 6,000 MT of DAP are available, with distribution underway. The cold off-season campaign has also secured significant volumes of fertilizers, such as NPK 9-23-30, NPK 10-10-20, and Urea. Despite the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, fertilizer supply in Senegal remains stable, and early preparations have mitigated potential risks to availability.

Sierra Leone: As 2024 ends, Sierra Leone’s fertilizer market faces significant challenges driven by global and domestic factors. The country’s heavy reliance on imports exposes it to price volatility and supply disruptions, exacerbated by the Ukraine-Russia conflict, which has raised global fertilizer prices and freight costs. Local production or blending facilities are absent, increasing dependence on international suppliers and straining supply chains. Fertilizer prices remain stable but vary by region, with Urea and NPK 15:15:15 priced between NLe 1,000 ($44) and NLe 1,750 ($78) per 50kg bag. Availability is inconsistent, with urban centers like Freetown, Bo, and Makeni having better stocks than rural areas. High transportation costs and logistical challenges hinder distribution to remote regions, leaving many rural farmers underserved. Despite a 9% reduction in fuel prices, fertilizer costs have not decreased, likely due to inflation, poor infrastructure, and supply chain rigidity. Proposed solutions include establishing regional fertilizer blending plants to reduce reliance on imports and improve supply chain resilience. Improved infrastructure and rural distribution strategies are also crucial for ensuring equitable access and supporting smallholder farmers.

Togo: In December 2024, fertilizer demand in Togo decreased overall due to harvesting and post-harvest activities, though off-season crops in the south, such as vegetables and irrigated rice, maintained moderate demand. Urea and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizers saw consistent use, with the supply remaining ample. The country had over 62,000 MT of Urea and 4,000 MT of NPK 15-15-15 in stock, ensuring sufficient coverage for off-season farming. These fertilizers, sold at subsidized prices of CFA 18,000 (around $30) for food crops and CFA 14,000 ($23) for cotton, were distributed through 232 sales outlets across 400 counties. Demand remained low in the north due to ongoing harvests, while the south continued to use moderate amounts of fertilizers. AgroBio NPK 4-2-2 organic fertilizer was also available in small quantities (10 MT), supporting agroecological practices in the south. Togo remained largely unaffected by the Russia-Ukraine crisis, with no significant disruptions to fertilizer availability, which exceeded 66,000 MT to meet off-season needs.

Availability and Affordability: As the dry season starts in West Africa, fertilizer demand declines, leading to moderate price stability in many areas. Supply remains sufficient, with slight price reductions in some countries due to reduced demand. However, fertilizer affordability is a major concern, driven by inflation and currency fluctuations. Government subsidies and imports have helped stabilize prices in some regions. Despite this, high transport costs and reliance on imports continue to limit broader affordability, especially for smallholder farmers. These challenges are compounded by logistical issues in rural areas. The overall situation reflects ongoing difficulties in making fertilizers accessible and affordable across the region.

Distribution: In December 2024, fertilizer importation and logistics across West Africa were largely smooth, with minimal disruptions and border restrictions. Major entry points facilitated the transport of large fertilizer quantities to markets. In Nigeria, logistics were mostly efficient, though the Northeast region faced challenges due to ongoing security concerns, disrupting supply chains. The National Port Authority played a key role in ensuring the smooth clearance of imports, supporting steady fertilizer flow across the different countries.