| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 680.60 Million |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 977.10 Million |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 7.50 % |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Africa Potash Fertilizer Market Analysis
The Africa Potash Fertilizer Market size is estimated at USD 680.60 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 977.10 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The African potash fertilizer market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing agricultural activities and the need to enhance soil fertility. The market growth stems from farmland expansion and rising demand for high-yield crops such as maize, wheat, and rice. The area under vegetable cultivation in Africa increased from 10.1 million hectares in 2021 to 10.9 million hectares in 2023. Morocco and Egypt are key market players, with Morocco's OCP Group investing significantly in fertilizer production. In 2023, Morocco's OCP Group, a global phosphate industry player, is investing USD 7 billion in a green hydrogen-based ammonia production facility. This investment aims to reduce carbon emissions while meeting the growing global demand for sustainable industrial practices. Ethiopia has also emerged as a significant market for customized NPK fertilizers.
Exports of potash fertilizers from Africa increased by 46.9% in 2023 compared to 2020, with Egypt accounting for 57% of total exports, according to ITC Trade Map data, followed by Mauritius, South Africa, and Cameroon. However, soil degradation affects 65% of the continent's farmland, presenting a significant challenge to sustainable agricultural growth. The industry faces ongoing discussions regarding chemical fertilizer use versus agroecological practices, with various organizations promoting bio-fertilizers to minimize soil depletion.
The continent's population, projected to triple by 2060, will increase fertilizer demand, making domestic potash production investments essential. Companies entering or expanding in the African potash market must address regulatory requirements, supply chain logistics, and local agronomic needs for sustainable operations.
Africa Potash Fertilizer Market Trends
Field Crops are the Major Consumers of Potash Fertilizers in the Region
Field crops have significantly influenced the potash fertilizer market in Africa due to their extensive cultivation and the essential role of potassium in crop development. Potassium is vital for plant growth, as it activates enzymes, enhances photosynthesis, aids nitrogen uptake, increases test weights, and helps plants withstand stress. It also supports water retention and improves crop quality. African soils are often deficient in essential nutrients, including potassium, due to continuous cultivation without adequate replenishment. The International Centre for Tropical Agriculture reports that soil degradation rates in Africa are up to 100 times higher than the soil's natural regeneration rate, highlighting the need for nutrient restoration.
Potassium deficiency manifests differently across crops, making identification challenging. In maize and other cereals such as sorghum, leaf scorching appears along the outer edges of older leaves. This deficiency is common in soils across developing markets, particularly in areas with substantial rice, maize, and wheat cultivation. Africa remains a major region for cereal crop cultivation. The area harvested under cereal crops increased by 1.9% from 125.4 million hectares in 2020 to 127.7 million hectares in 2024. Additionally, the area harvested under pulses increased by 6.3% from 29.2 million hectares in 2020 to 31 million hectares in 2024, according to FAOSTAT data. This expansion in agricultural land has increased the demand for potash fertilizers, as more cultivated land requires higher nutrient inputs to maintain soil fertility and achieve optimal crop yields, driving market growth during the forecast period.
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South Africa Dominates the Market
In Africa, South Africa stands out as the leading consumer of potash fertilizer. This dominance is attributed to its advanced agricultural sector, unique soil traits, diverse crops, and well-developed supply chains, all of which heighten the demand for this vital nutrient. Data from FAOSTAT reveals that in 2024, South Africa's potash fertilizer consumption hit around 412,000 metric tons, marking a per-hectare application rate that notably surpasses the regional norm.
South Africa's extensive and commercially oriented agricultural sector forms the cornerstone of its growing potash market. According to the Department of Agriculture, the country has approximately 96.4 million hectares of cultivated agricultural land, representing nearly 80% of its total land area, with a strong dependence on balanced fertilization practices in 2024. The nation's agricultural profile is further strengthened by its thriving horticultural sector. In 2024, vegetable production alone generated over 217.2 million, as reported by ITC Trade Map. These high-value crops, especially potassium-intensive ones such as citrus, grapes, and tree nuts, typically see potassium application rates of 120-180 kg K₂O per hectare, underscoring the nation's robust consumption patterns.
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Africa Potash Fertilizer Industry Overview
The market is moderately consolidated as it witnesses active engagement from several global and regional players. The market consists of several international and domestic companies. Major players include Yara, K+S Aktiengesellschaft, UPL, ICL Group Ltd, and Coromandel International Ltd. These companies develop potash fertilizer products to meet regional farmer requirements.
Africa Potash Fertilizer Market Leaders
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K+S Aktiengesellschaft
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ICL Group Ltd
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Kore Potash Plc
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UPL
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Yara International
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Africa Potash Fertilizer Market News
- July 2023: K+S AG acquired 75% of Industrial Commodities Holdings (Pty) Ltd's (ICH) fertilizer business in South Africa. The business operates as Fertiva (Pty) Ltd, with former ICH shareholders retaining 25% ownership and maintaining positions in Fertiva's management team. The acquisition expands K+S's fertilizer operations in southern and eastern Africa.
- January 2023: ICL has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with General Mills, which will be the supplier of strategic specialty phosphate solutions to General Mills. The long-term agreement will also focus on international expansion.
Africa Potash Fertilizer Industry Segmentation
The African potash Fertilizer market encompasses end-users, including farmers and large-scale commercial growers, who purchase potassic fertilizers and blends through distribution channels. The Africa Potash Fertilizer Market is segmented into Crop Type (Field Crops, Horticultural Crops, Turf & Ornamental), Application Mode (Soil, Foliar, Fertigation), Type (MoP, SoP, and Other Types), and Geography (Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, and Rest of Africa). The report provides market size and forecasts in Value (USD) and Volume (Metric Tons) for each segment.
| Crop Type | Field Crops |
| Horticultural Crops | |
| Turf & Ornamental | |
| Application Mode | Soil |
| Foliar | |
| Fertigation | |
| Type | MoP |
| SoP | |
| Other Types | |
| Geography | Morocco |
| Kenya | |
| South Africa | |
| Nigeria | |
| Ghana | |
| Egypt | |
| Rest of Africa |
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Africa Potash Fertilizer Market Research Faqs
How big is the Africa Potash Fertilizer Market?
The Africa Potash Fertilizer Market size is expected to reach USD 680.60 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 7.5% to reach USD 977.10 million by 2030.
What is the current Africa Potash Fertilizer Market size?
In 2025, the Africa Potash Fertilizer Market size is expected to reach USD 680.60 million.
Who are the key players in Africa Potash Fertilizer Market?
K+S Aktiengesellschaft, ICL Group Ltd, Kore Potash Plc, UPL and Yara International are the major companies operating in the Africa Potash Fertilizer Market.
What years does this Africa Potash Fertilizer Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Africa Potash Fertilizer Market size was estimated at USD 629.55 million. The report covers the Africa Potash Fertilizer Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Africa Potash Fertilizer Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Africa Potash Fertilizer Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Africa Potash Fertilizer market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Africa Potash Fertilizer analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
