Africa’s agrochemical market is projected to witness steady growth through 2030, driven by rising food demand, population growth, and increasing pressure on agricultural systems, a report by Mordor Intelligence has revealed.
The report estimates that the market, valued at $11.7 billion in 2025, will expand significantly by the end of the decade, with fertilisers accounting for over half of total market share due to widespread soil nutrient depletion across sub-Saharan Africa.
It noted that the pesticides segment, valued at $3.94 billion in 2025, is expected to grow to $4.66 billion by 2030, reflecting increased investment in crop protection to minimise yield losses.
Within the continent, Nigeria remains the largest agrochemical market, supported by expanding private sector participation and fertiliser production, while Morocco continues to leverage its phosphate resources to supply blended fertilisers across West Africa.
Other countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana, are advancing digital credit systems and warehouse infrastructure to improve farmers’ access to inputs, while Egypt and Algeria are exploring green ammonia production as part of efforts to develop more sustainable fertilisers.
The report highlighted the agrochemical sector as a critical driver of agricultural productivity and industrial development, linking farming activities to manufacturing, packaging, logistics, and export opportunities.
However, it raised concerns over the sector’s heavy reliance on imports, with more than 90 per cent of agrochemical inputs sourced externally, mainly from China, Russia, Morocco, and the Middle East.
According to the African Union Continental Agribusiness Strategy, weak value chains across many African countries continue to limit market access, processing capacity, and competitiveness, particularly for smallholder farmers.
The report also identified key challenges including climate change impacts, regional conflicts, low technology adoption, and high logistics costs, which in some landlocked countries account for up to half of final retail prices.
Additional constraints such as poor infrastructure, unreliable energy supply, and shortage of skilled manpower were cited as factors hindering growth across the agrochemical value chain.
To address these gaps, stakeholders are calling for coordinated action to strengthen local production, improve value chain integration, and enhance market access across the continent.
The Pan-African Manufacturers Association emphasised the need for policies that support domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and promote investment in infrastructure, skills development, and technology adoption.
It also urged governments to avoid excessive taxation on agrochemical products and instead prioritise regulatory harmonisation under the African Continental Free Trade Area to enable seamless cross-border trade.
The association further stressed the importance of integrating smallholder farmers into agro-industrial value chains through improved extension services, digital platforms, and climate-smart agricultural practices.
Overall, the report underscores the growing importance of agrochemicals in strengthening Africa’s food systems, while highlighting the need for strategic investments to unlock the sector’s full potential.
