Egypt is set to launch a $573 million project aimed at producing phosphoric acid for fertilizer use, with the first phase targeting an annual output of 250,000 tons. Commercial production is expected to begin in 2028. The initiative is designed to reduce the country’s reliance on imports and strengthen Egypt’s position in the global fertilizer market.
Egypt is ramping up efforts to strengthen its fertilizer sector with a $573 million investment in a phosphoric acid production facility, slated to begin construction in 2026 in the Abu Tartour region of New Valley Governorate. The project, part of the Abu Tartour for Phosphoric Acid initiative, is planned in two phases and aims for a total annual output of 500,000 tons of phosphoric acid, with the initial phase contributing half that capacity. Commercial operations are expected to commence in 2028.
Phosphoric acid, essential in manufacturing both solid and liquid phosphated fertilizers, is central to Egypt’s strategy to reduce reliance on imports and increase its share in global exports. Engineering, procurement, and construction contracts are projected to be finalized by mid-2025.
Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi highlighted the project’s importance in leveraging Egypt’s mineral wealth, calling it a strategic move to boost local value addition and industrial self-reliance. Egypt, currently the second-largest exporter of chemical fertilizers in Africa, aims to enhance its foothold in the phosphate fertilizer segment. In 2024, the country exported $2.43 billion worth of fertilizers, including $549.5 million from phosphate-based products, accounting for over 22 per cent of total exports.
