United Capital Fertilizer Zambia has achieved a major milestone in the country’s journey toward fertilizer self-sufficiency. The twin projects, valued at US$641 million, were officially commissioned by President Hakainde Hichilema. This development marks a key step toward agricultural transformation and industrial growth in Zambia.
The investment will help reduce Zambia’s dependence on imported fertilizers and establish the country as a regional production hub for Southern Africa.
United Capital Fertilizer Zambia Leads Industrial Transformation
During the commissioning ceremony, President Hichilema described the event as a “triple occasion.” The day marked the launch of the UCF urea plant, the 85-megawatt thermal power facility, and the Wonderful Group Industrial Park.
“Here, we will produce fertilizer for our consumption and for export to neighbouring countries,” said the President. “This means food security through higher yields.”
He emphasized that the new UCF facility can increase maize yields from less than two tonnes to up to ten tonnes per hectare—without expanding farmland. “We don’t need to cut trees to achieve this,” he said proudly.
So far, the project has created over 3,000 direct jobs. The President also urged authorities to speed up land formalities to attract further industrial investment.
Modern Technology Strengthens Zambia’s Fertilizer Industry
Construction of the Chilanga fertilizer plant began in November 2021. The facility uses modern technology to minimize emissions, cut waste, and promote recycling.
Its 85-megawatt thermal power plant will provide energy security for operations and feed additional power into the national grid.
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga praised UCF’s parent company, Wonderful Group of Companies, for including community development in its investment plan.
“UCF has built a learning centre for 300 pupils, upgraded a clinic into a hospital, and is developing eight kilometres of road,” Mulenga said.
US$1.4 Billion Expansion to Double Urea Capacity
After commissioning, United Capital Fertilizer Zambia confirmed a US$1.4 billion financing deal to launch the project’s second phase. The investment, backed by Chinese partners, will double urea production capacity to 1.6 million tonnes per year.
This will make UCF one of Southern Africa’s largest fertilizer producers.
Board Chairman Chance Kabaghe said the expansion would serve both domestic and regional markets. “Our company has become a benchmark for tailor-made fertilizers exported to Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he said.
This initiative will reduce Zambia’s fertilizer import dependence and strengthen its export position in Southern and Central Africa.
Zambia’s Fertilizer Import Dependence
Zambia remains among Africa’s leading fertilizer importers, alongside Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.
According to the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), the country imported about 796,713 tonnes of fertilizer in 2024, ranking third in Africa behind Ethiopia and Kenya.
Urea represented 36% of imports, followed by NPK (15.29%), monoammonium phosphate (10.66%), ammonium sulfate (9.48%), and muriate of potash (8.33%).
This heavy dependence raises input costs and exposes farmers to global market volatility. With United Capital Fertilizer Zambia’s expansion, the country can expect price stability, reliable supply, and higher crop yields — especially for maize and wheat farmers.
