Posted on January, 28, 2025 at 10:40 pm
Africa, with its vast reserves of fertile yet unused land, abundant workforce, and water resources, has the potential to become a global leader in food production. However, this potential is constrained by critically low fertilizer use, which continues to increase at a worryingly slow rate.
At the same time, food security across the continent is deteriorating. The 2024 UN State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report highlights that Africa now has the highest rate of food insecurity globally, with 20,4% of the population – about 298,4 million people – being undernourished.
To spotlight these challenges and explore potential solutions, the Omnia Group – a diversified range of complementary chemical services businesses – has partnered with Argus Media, a leading independent provider of market intelligence, ahead of the highly anticipated Argus Fertilizer Africa Conference, which takes place in Cape Town from 10 to 12 February 2025.
According to the African Development Bank, Africa's food and agriculture market could surge from $280 billion a year to $1 trillion by 2030. To achieve this, Mike Nash, Senior Editor: Fertilizers at Argus Media, says the continent must first overcome significant barriers to fertilizer adoption.
“Farmers in Africa face disproportionately high fertilizer prices compared to those in developed markets. This is largely due to weak infrastructure and distribution systems, high logistics costs, and dispersed demand from small-scale farmers. Inefficient or poorly equipped public agencies further discourage private sector investment, while corruption often undermines subsidy systems.
“Limited financing options, inadequate market transparency, and restricted access to information exacerbate these difficulties, leaving many farmers unable to optimise their yields,” Nash adds.
Despite these challenges, there are encouraging developments. Technology, such as soil mapping and drones, is enabling more efficient fertilizer use. Omnia’s innovations, such as its OmniZone satellite imaging and AI-driven analytics, provide critical tools to optimise crop production while minimising the excessive use of nutrients, water, and pesticides.
These efforts align with political initiatives, such as the recent Nairobi Declaration on Fertilizer Use in Africa, which aims to boost local production and reduce reliance on imports.
Global fertilizer markets are also evolving rapidly, with significant implications for Africa. Geopolitical developments – such as the sanctions on Belarus affecting potash exports – and the volatility of natural gas prices have reshaped trade dynamics. Meanwhile, regulatory measures, such as Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, are driving changes in production and trade.
The demand for organic and bio-based fertilizers is also increasing as sustainability takes centre stage. At the same time, extreme weather events, fluctuating crop prices, and changes in global trade routes – such as those caused by the Red Sea conflict – are impacting the market.
“Understanding these global trends is critical for African stakeholders to remain competitive and sustainable,” Nash notes. “The upcoming conference provides a vital platform for discussing these issues and forging partnerships to address them.”
Since its inception, the Argus Fertilizer Africa Conference has evolved into a premier event for connecting global fertilizer markets with African players. Now in its 14th year, the conference has grown from a smaller networking event to a central hub for contract negotiations, client outreach, and industry innovation.
This year’s conference will welcome over 350 senior executives from 20-plus countries across Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Delegates will include VPs, CEOs, and other high-level decision-makers eager to expand their business footprints in the fertilizer and agribusiness sectors. For sponsors and exhibitors, the conference offers unparalleled opportunities to showcase products, services, and technologies to a targeted audience of industry leaders.
The event will feature exclusive networking opportunities, such as a beach party celebrating local music and wines, a private cable car excursion to Table Mountain, and the Argus Fertilizer Awards, which recognise pioneering individuals in the industry.
As Africa seeks to enhance food security and agricultural sustainability, partnerships like the one between Omnia and Argus Media offer a crucial opportunity.
“By addressing the continent’s unique challenges and leveraging global expertise, the Argus Fertilizer Africa Conference aims to pave the way for a more resilient and efficient agricultural sector,” Bhuvam Patel, Conference Producer at Argus Media, concludes.
Source: News 24