Africa Specialty Fertilizers Market Size and Share

Africa Specialty Fertilizers Market (2025 - 2030)
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Africa Specialty Fertilizers Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The Africa specialty fertilizers market size stands at USD 4.93 billion in 2025 and is forecast to climb to USD 6.81 billion by 2030, reflecting a 6.65% CAGR over the period. Government subsidy reforms, rapid irrigation buildouts, and the migration to precision farming collectively accelerate demand for high-efficiency formulations. Regional leaders are channeling public and private capital into new production capacity, while cross-border trade harmonization under the African Continental Free Trade Area simplifies distribution. Market participants also see opportunities in digital platforms that match specialty blends with site-specific soil data, shrinking the performance gap between smallholders and large estates. Competitive intensity is fragmented as global majors chase growth alongside well-funded African champions, each racing to localize manufacturing and reduce import exposure.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By specialty type, liquid fertilizers led with 49.5% revenue share in 2024, while CRF is projected to grow at an 8.1% CAGR through 2030. 
  • By application mode, fertigation commanded a 50.0% share in 2024, and soil application is set to expand at a 7.8% CAGR to 2030. 
  • By crop type, field crops accounted for 60.7% of the Africa specialty fertilizers market size in 2024, while horticultural crops are projected to grow at a 7.6% CAGR to 2030. 
  • By geography, Nigeria held 7.9% of the 2024 market share, while South Africa projected to grow at a 7.0% CAGR through 2030. 

Segment Analysis

By Specialty Type: Liquid Fertilizer Dominance Meets Liquid Innovation

Liquid fertilizers maintain market leadership with a 49.5% share in 2024, driven by expanding fertigation infrastructure and export crop requirements for precise nutrition management. Liquid fertilizers have gained significant traction due to their compatibility with modern irrigation systems and advanced cultivation methods like hydroponics and aquaponics. The segment's growth is supported by developments in irrigation technology and the increasing adoption of precision farming techniques. Meanwhile, the SRF segment, while smaller, plays a crucial role in minimizing soil hardening and coordinating nutrient flow to plants. These fertilizers are particularly valuable in reducing application frequency and overall fertilizers costs, while also offering environmental benefits such as reduced nitrogen volatilization and leaching. 

CRF are projected to grow at an 8.1% CAGR through 2030, primarily serving commercial farms and high-value horticulture where extended nutrient release justifies premium pricing. The segment evolution toward precision formulations creates opportunities for regional manufacturers to develop climate-adapted products while global players focus on technology transfer and local partnerships. The segment's growth is particularly notable in field crops, where the need to minimize nutrient losses through leaching and volatilization is critical. The adoption of CRF is likely to accelerate as farmers increasingly recognize its benefits in reducing application frequency and improving nutrient use efficiency.

Africa Specialty Fertilizers Market: Market Share by Specialty Type

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By Application Mode: Fertigation Infrastructure Drives Soil Application Growth

Fertigation commands 50.0% market share in 2024, reflecting widespread adoption of drip irrigation systems and greenhouse production methods across key agricultural regions. AgriEdge's precision agriculture platform demonstrates the technological evolution of soil application methods, offering variable-rate fertilization tools that deliver "right dose, right place, right time" nutrient management. The widespread adoption of fertigation can be attributed to its numerous advantages, including reduced costs, enhanced efficiency, and a significant 20-40% reduction in overall fertilizer consumption. The method has gained particular traction in field crops, which account for over 77% of fertigation applications, driven by the increasing adoption of advanced irrigation systems such as micro or sprinkler irrigation. These systems are specifically designed to achieve uniform nutrient distribution over large cultivation areas, making fertigation an ideal choice for commercial farming operations across Africa. 

Soil application methods represent the fastest-growing segment at 7.8% CAGR, driven by precision agriculture adoption and variable-rate application technologies that optimize nutrient placement. The convergence of digital agriculture and specialty fertilizers creates application synergies where GPS-guided equipment optimizes product placement while reducing input volumes. Regulatory frameworks under ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) agricultural harmonization support cross-border equipment mobility and technology transfer, facilitating application method standardization across West African markets.

By Crop Type: Field Crops Maintain Dual Leadership

Field crops hold the largest market share at 60.7% in 2024, driven by economies of scale and increased use of enhanced-efficiency fertilizers in staple crop production. Uganda's maize production is expected to reach 3,264,423 metric tons (MT) in 2024, a 2% increase from 2023. Maize export earnings increased from USD 88 million in 2022 to USD 244.6 million in 2023, showing the value gains from specialty fertilizer adoption. Government subsidy programs, which now include enhanced-efficiency fertilizers, support the field crop segment's growth.

The horticultural crops segment is experiencing robust growth 7.6% CAGR through 2030 in the Africa specialty fertilizers market, driven by increasing demand for high-quality fruits and vegetables. The segment's expansion is supported by the adoption of advanced cultivation techniques, including greenhouse fertilization and precision agriculture methods. Horticultural producers are increasingly recognizing the value of horticultural in meeting their production targets and improving crop quality. The growing focus on export-oriented horticulture production, particularly in countries like South Africa and Kenya, is fueling the demand for premium specialty fertilizers. The segment is also benefiting from rising consumer awareness about food quality and safety, leading to increased adoption of controlled-release and water-soluble fertilizers in horticultural production. 

Africa Specialty Fertilizers Market: Market Share by Crop Type

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

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Geography Analysis

Nigeria emerges as the regional leader with 7.9% market share in 2024, supported by substantial infrastructure investments and policy reforms favoring specialty fertilizers. The country's Special Agro-Processing Zones program allocated USD 500 million specifically for fertilizers distribution infrastructure, while Dangote's USD 2.5 billion urea complex expansion positions Nigeria as a regional production hub[3]Source: Dangote Group, “Project Updates,” dangote.com. Indorama Eleme's USD 75 million AfDB-backed expansion adds 1.4 million tonnes annual urea capacity, with the company maintaining its position as Sub-Saharan Africa's largest granular urea producer.

South Africa was projected to grow at a 7.0% CAGR through 2030, leveraging its position as the continent's most developed agricultural economy and G20 leadership role in African food security initiatives. The country's citrus export success, reaching 2.8 million tons in 2024, drives demand for premium specialty fertilizers that meet international quality standards. Sasol's chemicals division restructuring includes potential IPO consideration for its USD 12.8 billion Lake Charles complex, while domestic operations benefit from renewable energy integration through 600 MW power purchase agreements. 

Rest of Africa encompassing diverse markets from Morocco's export-oriented horticulture to Ethiopia's planned fertilizers manufacturing expansion. Morocco's agricultural export strategy targeting USD 4.2 billion by 2030 emphasizes high-value crops requiring micronutrient-enriched specialty formulations. In August 2025, Ethiopia's publicized of domestic fertilizers factory construction following Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) completion represents a strategic shift from import dependency, though implementation requires careful planning to avoid repeating the USD 12.12 billion losses from the failed Yayu project.

Competitive Landscape

The Africa specialty fertilizers market is fragmented, with top players Yara International ASA, ICL Group Ltd, K+S Aktiengesellschaft, Unikeyterra Chemical, and Safsulphur, creating a competitive environment that balances global expertise with regional specialization. In 2024, Yara International leads with market share, leveraging its global R&D capabilities and recent USD 1.15 billion (USD 126.5 million) green bond financing to expand sustainable nutrition solutions across the continent.

The landscape is witnessing increased merger and acquisition activity, particularly focused on expanding geographical presence and acquiring technological capabilities. Companies are strategically acquiring local distributors and manufacturers to enhance their market penetration and establish direct connections with farmers. Joint ventures between international and local players are becoming more common, combining global expertise with local market knowledge. The industry is seeing investments in production facilities and logistics infrastructure, particularly in major agricultural regions, to improve product availability and reduce transportation costs. Market players are also forming strategic alliances with agricultural technology providers to enhance their digital capabilities and service offerings. 

Opportunities exist in precision agriculture integration, with digital platforms like AgriEdge's variable-rate fertilization tools demonstrating the potential for technology-enabled specialty fertilizers optimization. Emerging disruptors include carbon credit aggregators linking enhanced-efficiency fertilizers to climate payments, while nano-formulation developers target drought-resilient specialty products adapted to African growing conditions.

Africa Specialty Fertilizers Industry Leaders

  1. Yara International ASA

  2. ICL Group Ltd

  3. K+S Aktiengesellschaft

  4. Unikeyterra Chemical

  5. Safsulphur

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Africa Specialty Fertilizers Market
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Recent Industry Developments

  • December 2024: Yara International partnered with Asili Agriculture to establish a Knowledge Centre in Uganda, providing smallholder farmers with training on sustainable crop management and access to digital decision tools, including the FarmCare app for optimized fertilizers recommendations.
  • March 2024: African Development Bank approved a USD 75 million loan to Indorama Eleme Fertilizers for a third urea production line and new shipping terminal in Nigeria, adding 1.4 million tons annual capacity and strengthening regional supply chains.
  • April 2023: K+S acquired a 75% share of the fertilizers business of a South African trading company, Industrial Commodities Holdings (Pty) Ltd (ICH). In addition to expanding the core business, K+S is strengthening its operations in southern and eastern Africa as a result of this acquisition. The newly acquired fertilizers business in the future is to be operated in a joint venture under the name of FertivPty Ltd.

Table of Contents for Africa Specialty Fertilizers Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study
  • 1.3 Research Methodology

2. REPORT OFFERS

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS

4. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS

  • 4.1 Acreage Of Major Crop Types
    • 4.1.1 Field Crops
    • 4.1.2 Horticultural Crops
  • 4.2 Average Nutrient Application Rates
    • 4.2.1 Micronutrients
    • 4.2.1.1 Field Crops
    • 4.2.1.2 Horticultural Crops
    • 4.2.2 Primary Nutrients
    • 4.2.2.1 Field Crops
    • 4.2.2.2 Horticultural Crops
    • 4.2.3 Secondary Macronutrients
    • 4.2.3.1 Field Crops
    • 4.2.3.2 Horticultural Crops
  • 4.3 Agricultural Land Equipped For Irrigation
  • 4.4 Regulatory Framework
  • 4.5 Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis
  • 4.6 Market Drivers
    • 4.6.1 Government subsidies and policy incentives
    • 4.6.2 Decreasing arable land per capita
    • 4.6.3 Shift toward high-value horticultural exports
    • 4.6.4 Micro-irrigation projects backed by AfDB (African Development Bank)
    • 4.6.5 Drone-based foliar nutrient application
    • 4.6.6 Carbon-credit linked premium pricing
  • 4.7 Market Restraints
    • 4.7.1 Limited distribution infrastructure
    • 4.7.2 High upfront cost of CRF polymers
    • 4.7.3 Inconsistent regional heavy-metal standards
    • 4.7.4 Supply-chain exposure to coating polymer imports

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE AND VOLUME)

  • 5.1 Speciality Type
    • 5.1.1 CRF
    • 5.1.1.1 Polymer Coated
    • 5.1.1.2 Polymer-Sulfur Coated
    • 5.1.1.3 Others
    • 5.1.2 Liquid Fertilizer
    • 5.1.3 SRF
    • 5.1.4 Water Soluble
  • 5.2 Application Mode
    • 5.2.1 Fertigation
    • 5.2.2 Foliar
    • 5.2.3 Soil
  • 5.3 Crop Type
    • 5.3.1 Field Crops
    • 5.3.2 Horticultural Crops
    • 5.3.3 Turf & Ornamental
  • 5.4 Country
    • 5.4.1 Nigeria
    • 5.4.2 South Africa
    • 5.4.3 Rest of Africa

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Key Strategic Moves
  • 6.2 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.3 Company Landscape
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global Level Overview, Market Level Overview, Core Business Segments, Financials, Headcount, Key Information, Market Rank, Market Share, Products and Services, and Analysis of Recent Developments).
    • 6.4.1 Yara International ASA
    • 6.4.2 ICL Group Ltd
    • 6.4.3 K+S Aktiengesellschaft
    • 6.4.4 Unikeyterra Chemical
    • 6.4.5 Safsulphur
    • 6.4.6 OCP SA
    • 6.4.7 Haifa Chemicals Ltd.
    • 6.4.8 UPL Limited
    • 6.4.9 Omnia Holdings Ltd
    • 6.4.10 EuroChem Group AG
    • 6.4.11 PhosAgro Africa Ltd
    • 6.4.12 Kynoch Holdings Pty Ltd
    • 6.4.13 Kynoch Holdings Pty Ltd
    • 6.4.14 Zimbabwe Phosphate Industries Ltd
    • 6.4.15 Gavilon South Africa (MacroSource, LLC)

7. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR FERTILIZER CEOS

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Africa Specialty Fertilizers Market Report Scope

CRF, Liquid Fertilizer, SRF, Water Soluble are covered as segments by Speciality Type. Fertigation, Foliar, Soil are covered as segments by Application Mode. Field Crops, Horticultural Crops, Turf & Ornamental are covered as segments by Crop Type. Nigeria, South Africa are covered as segments by Country.
Speciality Type
CRF Polymer Coated
Polymer-Sulfur Coated
Others
Liquid Fertilizer
SRF
Water Soluble
Application Mode
Fertigation
Foliar
Soil
Crop Type
Field Crops
Horticultural Crops
Turf & Ornamental
Country
Nigeria
South Africa
Rest of Africa
Speciality Type CRF Polymer Coated
Polymer-Sulfur Coated
Others
Liquid Fertilizer
SRF
Water Soluble
Application Mode Fertigation
Foliar
Soil
Crop Type Field Crops
Horticultural Crops
Turf & Ornamental
Country Nigeria
South Africa
Rest of Africa
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Market Definition

  • MARKET ESTIMATION LEVEL - Market Estimations for various types of fertilizers has been done at the product-level and not at the nutrient-level.
  • NUTRIENT TYPES COVERED - Primary Nutrients: N, P and K, Secondary Macronutrients: Ca, Mg and S, Micronutients: Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Mo, B, and Others
  • AVERAGE NUTRIENT APPLICATION RATE - This refers to the average volume of nutrient consumed per hectare of farmland in each country.
  • CROP TYPES COVERED - Field Crops: Cereals, Pulses, Oilseeds, and Fiber Crops Horticulture: Fruits, Vegetables, Plantation Crops and Spices, Turf Grass and Ornamentals
Keyword Definition
Fertilizer Chemical substance applied to crops to ensure nutritional requirements, available in various forms such as granules, powders, liquid, water soluble, etc.
Specialty Fertilizer Used for enhanced efficiency and nutrient availability applied through soil, foliar, and fertigation. Includes CRF, SRF, liquid fertilizer, and water soluble fertilizers.
Controlled-Release Fertilizers (CRF) Coated with materials such as polymer, polymer-sulfur, and other materials such as resins to ensure nutrient availability to the crop for its entire life cycle.
Slow-Release Fertilizers (SRF) Coated with materials such as sulfur, neem, etc., to ensure nutrient availability to the crop for a longer period.
Foliar Fertilizers Consist of both liquid and water soluble fertilizers applied through foliar application.
Water-Soluble Fertilizers Available in various forms including liquid, powder, etc., used in foliar and fertigation mode of fertilizer application.
Fertigation Fertilizers applied through different irrigation systems such as drip irrigation, micro irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, etc.
Anhydrous Ammonia Used as fertilizer, directly injected into the soil, available in gaseous liquid form.
Single Super Phosphate (SSP) Phosphorus fertilizer containing only phosphorus which has lesser than or equal to 35%.
Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) Phosphorus fertilizer containing only phosphorus greater than 35%.
Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers Fertilizers coated or treated with additional layers of various ingredients to make it more efficient compared to other fertilizers.
Conventional Fertilizer Fertilizers applied to crops through traditional methods including broadcasting, row placement, ploughing soil placement, etc.
Chelated Micronutrients Micronutrient fertilizers coated with chelating agents such as EDTA, EDDHA, DTPA, HEDTA, etc.
Liquid Fertilizers Available in liquid form, majorly used for application of fertilizers to crops through foliar and fertigation.
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Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: IDENTIFY KEY VARIABLES: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
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