Cameroon’s fertiliser imports reached CFA44.4 billion in the first half of 2025, up from CFA40.2 billion over the same period in 2024, data from the latest economic outlook report show. The increase confirms the country’s continued dependence on international markets to meet domestic demand.
Fertiliser remains a key driver of agricultural productivity. Its availability directly affects yields, farm competitiveness, and ultimately farmers’ incomes. Cameroon still relies heavily on imports to cover its needs, exposing the sector to price volatility and supply disruptions.
To reduce this vulnerability, the authorities are seeking to accelerate domestic fertiliser production. Targeted subsidies, public-private partnerships, and the promotion of local plants form the core of a strategy aimed at lowering the external import bill over the medium term and stabilising input costs for farmers.
As part of this push, the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development has launched a call for expressions of interest to recruit consulting firms for a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study. The study will assess the technical, economic, and financial feasibility of a future chemical fertiliser production plant.
The project is already included in the 2026-2028 Medium-Term Budgetary and Economic Programming Document. Estimated at CFA500 billion, it is expected to be implemented through a public-private partnership, with the ministry acting as project owner.
If completed, the plant would mark a major step toward securing agricultural inputs, reducing external dependence, and stabilising fertiliser costs for local producers.
