The Ministry of Finance in Africa’s second largest copper producer Zambia see’s self sufficiency in fertilizer manufacture in the near term. Speaking during the second budget presentation under the new dawn government, MinFin Head Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane named an entity that has invested $138 million into a fertilizer plan in Chilanga district with capacity to producer a million tons annually.
“A fertilizer company has commenced operations in Chilanga District with an investment of $138 million. At full capacity, the company will produce 700,000 metric tons of Compound D and 300,000 metric tons of Urea per annum. This investment has created 300 jobs for our people, which will increase to 600 when fully operational. This investment will not only result in national self-sufficiency but also improve reliability of fertiliser supply and save the country much needed foreign exchange,” Musokotwane said.
United Capital Fertilizer company limited recently commenced production at its Chilanga plant aimed at supplying the market with compound D and urea.
The Southern African nation has for many years imported fertilizer for the farmer input support program which has been one of the key drivers of currency pressure in the foreign exchange market.
With a bullish outlook in anchor sectors such as mining, fertilizer manufacturers could have markets in sight for explosives or sulphuric acid which are key in the extractive industry.
Zambia’s 2023 budget seeks to improve and boost agriculture productivity while tapping into markets created by the global grain dislocation induced by the Russo – Ukrainian war.
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