Govt eyes local fertilizer plant

Expectations are rising for improved access to fertiliser as the government moves to establish a local fertiliser manufacturing plant.

The government says it is targeting to have the fertiliser factory operational by the 2027/28 farming season, describing the project as part of broader efforts to lower import costs, improve supply security and support long term agricultural productivity.

The announcement came on Friday as Malawi received the final 500 metric tonnes of fertiliser from Morocco, completing a 1,000-metric-tonne donation pledged after President Arthur Peter Mutharika appealed for assistance following widespread hunger last year

Minister of Agriculture Rosa Mbilizi said the government is working with Morocco to turn plans for local fertiliser production into reality.

“The momentum, Your Excellency, which started in March 2026, should continue until this objective is achieved,” Mbilizi said.

She said the Government of Morocco has already sent experts from OCP Africa, a fertiliser manufacturing company, who held a joint workshop with Malawian experts on establishing the planned fertiliser plant.

Mbilizi said local production will help reduce Malawi’s dependence on imported fertiliser while supporting long-term agricultural development.

She also said the latest 500-metric-tonne donation will benefit smallholder farmers affected by natural disasters and those engaged in irrigation farming to increase food production.

According to the minister, Malawi received the first 500 metric tonnes of the donation in February 2026, with the remaining consignment delivered on Friday.

She described the donation as timely, saying it comes as the country prepares for anticipated El Niño weather conditions that could affect agricultural production.

Morocco’s ambassador to Malawi, Mohammed Oumiyer, said the fertiliser donation reflects the strong and growing bilateral relations between the two countries.

He said the support also demonstrates the vision of King Mohammed VI to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with partner countries, including Malawi.

Beyond fertiliser support, Mbilizi said Malawi hopes to deepen cooperation with Morocco in fertiliser production, irrigation development, agricultural research, technology transfer, capacity building and value addition as the two countries expand their agricultural partnership.