United Capital Fertilizer Zambia established exports of its production to Botswana

Zambian fertilizer producer United Capital Fertilizer Limited, a subsidiary of the Chinese conglomerate Wonderful Group of Companies Limited,  has initiated the export of 15,000 metric tons of D-compound fertilizer to Botswana. The company received a contract to supply this specific type of fertilizer to Botswana’s Ministry of Agriculture for the 2023/2024 farming season.

The first shipment, consisting of 30 trucks carrying a total of 900 metric tons, was flagged off this Thursday. Chipoka Mulenga, Zambia’s Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, indicated that the move marks a shift for Zambia, which has traditionally been a net importer of fertilizer.

United Capital Fertilizer was selected for this contract after the Botswana government conducted stringent tests on the quality of its fertilizer, which met international standards. Alpheus Matlhaku, the Botswana High Commissioner to Zambia, stated that the fertilizer is intended for use by small-scale farmers in Botswana. He also noted an existing demand from commercial farmers that could be an opportunity for further contracts.

The export comes amid ongoing disruptions in the global fertilizer supply chain due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This development could potentially impact the broader southern African region’s access to fertilizer.