PhosAgro Increases Fertilizer Supplies to Africa by One Third in 2024, Expands Soil Protection Initiatives
PhosAgro, one of the world’s largest producers of phosphate-based fertilizers, made significant strides in increasing its presence in Africa. The company successfully raised its fertilizer supplies to the continent by one third, delivering over 730,000 tonnes of mineral fertilizers. This marked a substantial increase from the 548,000 tonnes exported in 2023. PhosAgro’s expanding role in Africa is a testament to the company’s dedication to supporting the agricultural sector and bolstering food security across the continent.
PhosAgro’s Growing Impact in Africa
PhosAgro’s fertilizer exports to Africa have been steadily increasing, and the 33% growth in 2024 is a key milestone for the company. The total volume of fertilizer supplies exceeded 730,000 tonnes, highlighting PhosAgro’s important role in Africa’s agricultural landscape. Some of the key African countries that saw the largest increase in PhosAgro fertilizer imports included South Africa, Mozambique, Morocco, Cameroon, and Ethiopia.
- South Africa: Shipments to South Africa grew by 10% in 2024, reaffirming its position as one of the largest importers of PhosAgro’s products.
- Mozambique: Mozambique saw an impressive 80% increase in fertilizer imports from PhosAgro, reflecting the growing agricultural demand in the region.
- Morocco: Morocco experienced a dramatic rise of around 450%, underscoring PhosAgro’s expanding reach in North Africa.
- Cameroon: Cameroon’s fertilizer imports grew by 60%, indicating a strong need for high-quality fertilizers in Central Africa.
- Ethiopia: For the first time in eight years, Ethiopia made a large purchase of fertilizers from PhosAgro, demonstrating the company’s renewed partnership with the country.
Mikhail Sterkin, PhosAgro’s Deputy CEO for Sales and Marketing, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting food security and sovereignty in Africa. According to Sterkin, PhosAgro currently accounts for approximately 40% of all Russian mineral fertilizer exports to Africa, contributing to the continent’s agricultural development.
Committed to Safe and Sustainable Fertilizers
PhosAgro’s role goes beyond merely supplying fertilizers. The company is keenly aware of the importance of promoting safe, environmentally friendly products. One of the key challenges facing African agriculture is soil degradation, caused by heavy metal contamination from low-quality fertilizers. The United Nations reports that 40% of African land suffers from such degradation, primarily due to cadmium contamination from fertilizers that contain toxic impurities.
PhosAgro’s fertilizers are free from cadmium and other harmful substances, ensuring they are safe for both human health and the environment. As Sterkin noted, the company’s fertilizers are designed to promote healthy soils and safe agricultural products. This is a critical element of PhosAgro’s mission to contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security in Africa.
PhosAgro’s Role in Global Soil Protection Initiatives
PhosAgro is not only increasing fertilizer exports but also taking active measures to protect and preserve Africa’s soil resources. In line with its commitment to sustainable agriculture, PhosAgro has partnered with global organizations such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to launch several initiatives aimed at improving soil health.
Launch of the African Soil Laboratory Network (AFRILAB)
PhosAgro was an official partner in the launch of the African Soil Laboratory Network (AFRILAB), an essential component of a global soil protection initiative. AFRILAB is designed to monitor soil quality and safety by assessing the effectiveness of fertilizers and soil conditions. With over 220 laboratories across 54 countries, AFRILAB plays a crucial role in improving soil management practices and advancing sustainable agriculture in Africa.
The Global Soil Doctors Program
In addition to AFRILAB, PhosAgro and the FAO also launched the Global Soil Doctors program. This initiative produces soil testing kits that enable farmers, especially in developing countries, to independently assess the condition of their fields. The kits help farmers determine which nutrients are necessary for their soils to maximize crop yields and grow environmentally friendly crops.
The Global Soil Doctors program empowers African farmers to make informed decisions about fertilizer use, ultimately contributing to greater agricultural productivity and food security. The program is part of PhosAgro’s broader efforts to address hunger and malnutrition by promoting sustainable farming practices across the continent.
Expanding Global Soil Protection with the FAO
In February 2024, PhosAgro and the FAO signed an additional agreement to finance the third phase of their global soil protection initiative. This phase aims to strengthen the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN), which now encompasses 160 countries and includes over 1,000 laboratories worldwide. Since its inception, the initiative has trained more than 11,000 farmers from 20 developing countries, and an additional 5,000 farmers are set to receive training during the third phase.
PhosAgro has also joined the FAO’s initiative to recarbonize global agricultural soils (RECSOIL). The goal of this initiative is to manage and sequester soil organic carbon, a critical step in combating climate change. By sequestering carbon in agricultural soils, PhosAgro and its partners hope to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing soil fertility and improving food production.
Supporting Young African Scientists and Environmental Research
PhosAgro is deeply committed to fostering innovation and research in sustainable agriculture. Through its partnership with UNESCO, PhosAgro sponsors the Green Chemistry for Life program, which awards annual grants to young scientists conducting research in environmental protection. Over the course of the program’s eight rounds, 55 young scientists from around the world have received grants, with a special focus on African researchers.
To date, more than a quarter of the Green Chemistry for Life grants have been awarded to African scientists from countries such as South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Tunisia, Nigeria, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. This highlights PhosAgro’s commitment to supporting the next generation of environmental leaders in Africa.
Furthermore, PhosAgro has engaged over 200 young African scientists in its PhosAgro–IUPAC Summer Schools on Green Chemistry, offering them the opportunity to expand their knowledge and collaborate on sustainable chemistry solutions for the continent.
PhosAgro’s Educational Initiatives for African Farmers
PhosAgro is also committed to providing educational resources to African farmers. In line with this mission, the company launched Pro Agro Lectorium, a digital educational platform designed to support African farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices. The platform offers online lectures on a wide range of topics, including sustainable agriculture, plant nutrition, and the responsible use of fertilizers to achieve food security.
The platform is part of PhosAgro’s broader commitment to improving agricultural education in Africa. As part of the second Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, PhosAgro signed cooperation agreements with several leading African and Russian universities. These partnerships aim to implement scientific, educational, and research projects in sustainable agriculture and promote digital educational technologies across Africa. Universities such as the University of Zambia, Makerere University in Uganda, Ahmed Baba University in Mali, Assiut University in Egypt, and Injibara University in Ethiopia are collaborating with PhosAgro to bring innovative educational resources to African farmers.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Africa’s Agricultural Future
PhosAgro’s efforts in Africa represent more than just an increase in fertilizer exports. The company is playing a key role in enhancing food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and improving soil health across the continent. Through initiatives like the African Soil Laboratory Network, the Global Soil Doctors program, and its partnerships with international organizations such as the FAO and UNESCO, PhosAgro is helping to shape Africa’s agricultural future.
With its strong commitment to environmental sustainability, PhosAgro continues to lead by example, providing African farmers with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly challenging agricultural landscape. By strengthening its relationships with African countries and expanding its educational programs, PhosAgro is contributing to a brighter, more sustainable future for agriculture in Africa.
