Russian fertiliser manufacturer PhosAgro plans to nearly double its mineral fertiliser shipments to Africa in 2026 compared with the previous year, as the company strengthens its presence in African agricultural markets and expands initiatives supporting soil health and sustainable farming.
Speaking at the Third Russia–Africa Forum in Moscow, PhosAgro Deputy CEO for Marketing Mikhail Sterkin said the company had shipped more than 1.3 million tonnes of mineral fertilisers to African countries during the first nine months of 2026, exceeding its full-year 2025 volume of over 974,000 tonnes.
The company's fertiliser exports to Africa increased by approximately one-third in 2025 compared with the preceding year, with shipments more than doubling from 2021 levels, according to PhosAgro.
Alongside its export expansion, PhosAgro is investing in research and development of biological crop nutrition products. Its research centre is developing biofertilisers, biostimulants and plant stress-management solutions aimed at improving crop resilience under challenging environmental conditions, particularly drought.
The company is also collaborating with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on agricultural soil management and farmer training initiatives across Africa.
Under the Soil Doctors programme, more than 12,000 soil diagnostic kits have been distributed to African farmers to support field-level soil assessment and nutrient management, according to PhosAgro.
The company has also supported the establishment of the AFRILAB regional soil laboratory network, which comprises approximately 240 laboratories across 54 African countries.
During the forum, Sterkin highlighted regulatory challenges affecting the introduction of agricultural innovations into African markets. He proposed greater mutual recognition of national product certifications to reduce repeated testing requirements and accelerate access to new agricultural inputs.
The discussions also addressed the role of agricultural technology, fertilisers and private-sector investment in tackling land degradation and strengthening drought resilience across Africa.
PhosAgro's expansion plans reflect its efforts to increase fertiliser supplies to the continent while supporting soil management and crop nutrition initiatives through research partnerships and agricultural knowledge transfer.
