OCP Africa partners Rwanda to launch a US$20M fertilizer blending factory

RWANDA – Rwanda has launched a state-of-the-art fertilizer blending factory in Bugesera, a joint venture between OCP AFRICA and the Rwandese Government.

Built under Rwanda Fertiliser Company (RFC), the US$19.2 million (approx. Rwf24 billion) plant is a joint venture between Moroccan fertilizer company OCP Africa owning 57.4% of the shares, Agaciro Development Fund (32.6%), and Agro Processing Trust Corporation Ltd (APTC) (10%).

Trade Minister, Prof Jean Chyrsostome Ngabitsinze presided over the official launching ceremony on December 20.

With an annual capacity to blend 100,000 tonnes of fertilizers, the plant spans 8 hectares at the Bugesera industrial park, in Bugesera District, Eastern Province.

According to the executives, the plant is a significant addition to Rwanda’s industrial landscape and is forecasted to create around 50 direct jobs and promote expertise transfer to enhance the country’s fertilizer industry.

The Rwanda Fertiliser Company (RFC) anticipates a 25% increase in farmers’ income, contributing to economic empowerment.

According to information from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the initiative is one of the flagship cooperation projects between Rwanda and Morocco, following the State Visit of King Mohammed VI of Morocco to Rwanda in October 2016.

Following the monarch’s historical visit, Rwanda and Morocco signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for strengthening cooperation in various areas of economic development, including setting up a fertilizer blending plant in Rwanda.

The milestone comes at a time when Rwanda’s fertilizer application has remained low, averaging 60 kilograms per hectare, in contrast to developed countries where this figure reaches 140 kilograms per hectare.

Rwanda’s current annual demand for fertilizers stands at 85,000 tonnes, primarily met through imports.

During the launch, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Ildephonse Musafiri, emphasized that local blending is expected to lower fertilizer prices, making them more accessible to farmers.

On his part, Dr Mohamed Anouar Jamali, CEO of OCP Africa and chairman of RFC, noted that the transformative role of this facility in Rwanda’s agricultural value chain

He highlighted OCP Africa’s commitment to revolutionizing the food system in the East African region, citing Rwanda’s strategic importance to its objectives.

This collaboration spans various aspects of the agricultural value chain, offering tailored fertilizer solutions, enhancing local soil productivity, ensuring competitive pricing in the local market, and bolstering the distribution network in Rwanda.

The inauguration of the Plant marks a milestone in the country’s journey towards bolstering its agricultural sector, enhancing food security, and empowering local farmers.

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