Russian fertilizer giant Uralchem has unveiled plans to expand its fertilizer exports to Africa from 1 million to 5 million metric tons annually by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to supporting agricultural development across the continent. The announcement was made by Uralchem CEO Dmitry Konyaev at the Russia–Africa Business Dialogue during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) last week.
“Africa’s fertilizer imports remain disproportionately low, with just 10 million tons imported in 2024—far below the continent’s agricultural needs,” said Konyaev. “We are committed to bridging this gap and enhancing food security by scaling up our presence across the region.”
Konyaev pointed to longstanding structural challenges—including inadequate transport infrastructure and complex payment systems—that have driven up costs for African farmers. “It’s absurd that African farmers often pay more for fertilizers than their European counterparts,” he said, stressing the need for localized solutions.
To address these challenges, Uralchem plans to establish joint ventures with African governments, building regional hubs for fertilizer production and distribution. The company has already begun operations in South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire, and is exploring further partnerships across the continent.
Complementing this strategy, PhosAgro CEO Mikhail Rybnikov noted that his company’s fertilizers are already being shipped to South Africa, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Cameroon, and Morocco, supporting regional agricultural resilience and self-sufficiency.
Since 2022, Uralchem has donated over 134,000 tons of fertilizer to African nations, including Malawi, Nigeria, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, in collaboration with the UN World Food Programme (WFP).
“Our goal is not just commercial. It’s developmental,” Konyaev concluded. “We believe Africa’s agricultural transformation must be underpinned by accessible, affordable fertilizer supply.”
This strategic expansion underscores Russia’s growing economic engagement with Africa, with fertilizers playing a pivotal role in addressing the continent’s food security and productivity challenges.
