Nitrogen Chemicals to construct $6mn fertilizer plant in Zambia

Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) has announced plans to begin the construction of a $6 million fertilizer blending plant in the Kafue district, scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2024. The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting by NCZ’s Technical Manager, Simon Mwape. The new facility, covering approximately 0.5 hectares of land, aims to produce 400 metric tons of blended fertilizer daily to meet the growing agricultural demands fueled by the increasing population and farming activities in Zambia.

Mr. Mwape emphasized the project’s necessity, citing the escalating demand for blended fertilizer in the country. The plant is envisioned to alleviate the prevalent fertilizer shortages and produce customized fertilizers tailored to the specific needs of individual customers through detailed soil assessments. This approach is expected to ensure optimal crop growth and agricultural productivity.

The construction of the new blending plant is a response to the government’s call for investment in the agriculture sector, promising to generate local employment opportunities and enhance the district’s economy. Additionally, Mr. Mwape reassured that the existing fertilizer production plant would not be neglected; instead, an investment of K4 million will upgrade its production capacity from 35 metric tons to 65 metric tons of ordinary fertilizer.

Kafue District Commissioner Maurice Hikapulwe expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the employment prospects and economic benefits for the locality. He also lauded the initiative’s focus on producing custom-made fertilizers, ensuring that farmers receive products tailored to their specific agricultural needs. The move by Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia represents a significant investment in the country’s agricultural infrastructure, aiming to boost productivity and support sustainable growth in the sector.