Zimbabwe targets fertilizer self-sufficiency with US$200M plant plan
The planned investment aims to cut imports and support farm output as demand for agrochemicals grows across Africa.
ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe will begin construction of a new nitrogen fertilizer plant in June 2026 as the country steps up efforts to reduce its reliance on imports and support local agriculture.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade confirmed that China’s Xintai will lead the project, which carries an estimated cost of US$200 million.
The facility will produce 200,000 tonnes of urea and 200,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate each year, with operations expected to start in 2027.
Officials say the plant will strengthen local supply and support farmers who rely on steady access to fertilizers. “This development will result in increased employment, improved local fertilizer production and better agricultural yields,” the ministry said.
Zimbabwe remains one of the higher fertilizer users in sub-Saharan Africa, yet it still depends heavily on imports. Trade data shows the country spent about US$331 million on fertilizer imports in 2024. Nitrogen products made up 51 percent of that total, followed by compound fertilizers at 32 percent and potash at 16 percent.
Data from the International Fertilizer Development Center shows that annual consumption averaged 408,606 tonnes between 2014 and 2018. The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that fertilizer use reached 30.8 kilograms per hectare in 2023.
This level stands above the regional average of 18.2 kilograms but remains below the African Union target of 50 kilograms per hectare set in 2006.
The new plant could help close this gap by improving access and lowering costs over time. Key crops such as maize, tobacco and cotton depend on stable fertilizer supply.
Across Africa, demand for agrochemicals continues to rise. A report by Mordor Intelligence projects the market will grow from US$12.21 billion in 2025 to US$15.08 billion by 2031. Growth comes from higher food demand, climate-related pest pressure and support programs that help farmers buy inputs.
Fertilizers hold the largest share of this market at over 50 percent, as many soils across the continent lack key nutrients. Governments and financial groups have introduced subsidy schemes, credit systems and digital tools to improve access and distribution.
At the same time, challenges remain. High prices, transport costs and counterfeit products still limit access for many small farmers. Even so, new investments such as Zimbabwe’s planned plant point to a steady shift toward stronger local production and supply chains.
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