
(3 Minutes Read)
Cameroon has inaugurated its first-ever chemical fertiliser production plant, marking a major milestone in reducing reliance on expensive imports and strengthening domestic agriculture. The facility, launched on May 7 by Agriculture Minister Gabriel Mbaïrobé, is located in Bonaberi, Douala.
Developed by Hydrochem Cameroun, a subsidiary of the Noutchogouin Jean Samuel Group (NJS), the plant has an annual production capacity of 120,000 tons, which can be scaled up to 150,000 tons. The project cost remains undisclosed.
Jean Marie Manga, Deputy Director of Hydrochem, explained that the plant imports raw materials in bulk and customizes fertilizer blends to suit local agricultural needs. Minister Mbaïrobé praised the initiative as a key component of the government’s new agricultural strategy, which prioritizes soil health and tailored nutrient applications.
The plant is expected to significantly reduce Cameroon’s dependence on imported fertilizer, potentially halving the current annual import volume of around 300,000 tons. Between 2021 and 2023, Cameroon spent CFA173.9 billion on fertilizer imports, with 2023 alone accounting for CFA70.9 billion and a 76.2% surge in volume.
This heavy import burden has contributed to a growing trade deficit, which surpassed CFA2,000 billion in 2023. The increase in import costs has been attributed to global disruptions, particularly due to the Russia–Ukraine war and the absence of local production.
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The government announced plans in 2023 to build three fertiliser factories after a long-delayed project with German firm Ferrostaal failed to materialise. The Hydrochem plant is the first of these new projects to be completed.
The launch also strengthens NJS Group’s position in Cameroon’s agricultural input industry. In December 2023, the group expanded its influence by acquiring the local operations of global fertiliser leader Yara.