Interim President of the Pan-African Manufacturers Association (PAMA), Mansur Ahmed has identified agrochemicals including fertilisers, crop protection products and soil enhancers as critical inputs needed to raise agricultural productivity and ensure stable food supply across Africa.
Ahmed noted that the agrochemicals industry occupies an important position within the continent’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
According to him, the sector connects farming with industrial production and is gradually becoming a vital part of Africa’s agro industrial value chain.
He explained that increasing food demand, rapid population growth and changing agricultural practices are pushing up the need for crop nutrients and protection solutions.
These trends, he said, create opportunities for local manufacturing, product formulation, distribution expansion and export growth across African markets.
PAMA stated that Africa’s agrochemical market continues to record steady expansion. In its 2026 industry outlook, the association cited figures from Mordor Intelligence which estimate that the market was worth about $11.7 billion in 2025 and could rise to $14.6 billion by 2030. The growth is largely driven by the continent’s rising food requirements, climate pressures on farming systems and wider adoption of improved agricultural technologies.
Fertilisers currently dominate the market, accounting for more than half of total demand as farmers seek to restore soil nutrients that have been depleted over many years across sub Saharan Africa. Plant growth regulators are also gaining momentum as growers increasingly adopt modern crop management practices. The pesticide segment, valued at $3.94 billion in 2025, is projected to reach $4.66 billion by 2030, reflecting steady demand for crop protection products.
Across the continent, several countries are emerging as key players in the industry. Nigeria remains the largest agrochemical market, supported by expanding private sector participation and increased domestic fertiliser production. Morocco continues to utilise its phosphate resources to supply fertiliser products to several West African countries. Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana are also improving farmers’ access to inputs through digital credit services and warehouse support systems. Egypt and Algeria are exploring environmentally friendly fertiliser production through green ammonia initiatives.
Despite these developments, PAMA noted that Africa still depends heavily on imports for most agrochemical inputs.
More than 90 per cent of products used across the continent are sourced from external suppliers including China, Russia, Morocco and countries in the Middle East.
The association also pointed to several structural challenges limiting industry growth. Weak agricultural value chains, restricted market access for small scale producers, high post harvest losses and climate related pressures continue to affect productivity. In addition, conflicts in some regions have disrupted supply networks.
Logistics remains another major concern. In landlocked African countries, transportation expenses can represent as much as half of the final retail price of agricultural inputs.
Poor road networks, unstable power supply and inadequate storage infrastructure further complicate the movement and availability of agrochemical products.
PAMA added that limited technical expertise in agrochemical manufacturing across the continent has also slowed the development of a strong domestic industry.
To address these challenges, the association called for stronger collaboration between governments, private investors and regional institutions.
It urged African countries to prioritise domestic production through fertiliser blending, formulation and packaging supported by tax incentives, affordable financing and dependable energy supply.
The group also emphasised the importance of regulatory alignment under the African Continental Free Trade Area to promote smoother cross border trade in agrochemical products.
At the same time, it warned that excessive taxation could weaken the competitiveness of local manufacturers.
PAMA stressed that unlocking the full potential of the sector will require greater investment in infrastructure, skills development and modern technologies.
Expanding vocational training, strengthening partnerships between industry and academic institutions, and encouraging mechanisation and digital solutions will help improve efficiency and product standards.
The association further highlighted the need to integrate smallholder farmers more effectively into agro industrial value chains.
It recommended strengthening farmer cooperatives, expanding agricultural extension services and promoting climate smart agrochemical solutions that support inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth across the continent.
