Egypt moves to strengthen fertiliser sector amid rising food demand
Government renews focus on self-sufficiency, modern distribution systems, and export potential.
EGYPT – Egypt is stepping up efforts to strengthen its agricultural fertiliser industry as part of a broader push to improve food security and boost exports.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly chaired a high-level meeting to assess the progress of ongoing initiatives aimed at improving both the production and distribution of fertilisers.
The meeting brought together senior officials, including ministers responsible for industry, agriculture, military production, finance, investment, petroleum, and public business, alongside the head of the Consumer Protection Agency.
“The government remains fully committed to developing key industrial sectors, including fertilisers, which are essential to meeting local agricultural needs,” Madbouly said. He added that the fertiliser sector supports national goals tied to food security and economic growth.
The prime minister underscored the need to improve production capacity by offering facilities that attract private investment.
He explained that higher output not only meets local needs but also creates the opportunity to export surplus products to international markets.
Officials also discussed the need to keep pace with global changes in farming practices. “It’s vital that Egypt’s fertiliser industry keeps up with advances in modern agricultural methods, which require more specialised inputs,” said Madbouly. “These developments help improve yields and support sustainable land use.”
The meeting further reviewed progress in cleaning up the national fertiliser supply chain. Madbouly emphasised the importance of better governance, calling for continued efforts to modernise and automate the distribution process.
He cited the need to prevent leakages and ensure fertilisers reach eligible farmers. He also called for a thorough purge of “ghost” land records to help enforce tighter control of supply from the factory gate to the end user.
According to a government spokesperson, the coordinated efforts among relevant ministries are aimed at achieving greater self-sufficiency while making the industry more competitive on the global stage.
Egypt’s fertiliser market remains central to its agriculture strategy. It plays a key role in increasing soil fertility, particularly in the Nile Delta and newly reclaimed desert lands.
In 2024, the sector was valued at around US$34.26 million and is expected to grow steadily through 2030, with field crops showing the highest demand. Cairo continues to be the largest market region.
Several long-term factors are driving this renewed focus. These include rising food demand linked to population growth, the adoption of new farming technologies, and the need to manage land and water resources more effectively.
Fertilisers are now more important than ever in improving productivity under strained environmental conditions.
Recent data also shows that government subsidies and input vouchers are helping smallholder farmers access inputs, which in turn supports the broader push for increased yields and efficient land use.
Tuesday’s meeting reflects a broader commitment to align Egypt’s fertiliser industry with domestic needs and global standards, while supporting local producers and laying the groundwork for export growth.
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