Africa's potash potential is being tapped through new projects in Gabon and Congo, aiming to boost local fertilizer production and reduce reliance on imports.
Africa’s potash potential
Africa has the potential to mine potash, a critical component in fertilizers that supports food production, but currently relies heavily on imports from countries like Russia, Belarus, Canada, and China.Millennial Potash’s goals
Millennial Potash is targeting several key milestones by 2027 for its Banio potash project in Gabon, including securing a mining permit, financing, and starting construction. The company plans to produce 800,000 tons annually, with half potentially staying on the continent to meet local needs.Other African potash projects
In the Republic of the Congo, Kore Potash aims to produce 2.2 million tons of potash annually at its Kola project for 23 years. Meanwhile, Dangote Fertilizer Limited Congo is developing the Mengo project, which could produce up to 1 million tons a year with an estimated $3 billion investment.Africa’s current potash imports
Africa’s potash imports reached $475 million in 2024, a decline from a peak of $819 million in 2022. Global production of potassium oxide equivalents (K₂O) in 2025 was estimated at 49 million tons, but no African country currently appears in production statistics.Challenges ahead
While local potash production could reduce Africa’s reliance on global markets, especially after disruptions like the war in Ukraine, these projects face hurdles. Banio must complete several steps before production, and Kola awaits $2.07 billion in financing to begin construction.Dependence on African markets
The success of these projects also depends on securing markets within Africa, including confirmed regional demand and agreements with local buyers to ensure the potash is used on the continent.
