Zambia nears fertilizer independence as $600 million UCF plant begins test runs

Zambia is close to achieving full self-sufficiency in fertilizer production following the launch of test runs at United Capital Fertilizers’ (UCF) new US$600 million ammonia and urea plant.

The facility, built by the Wonderful Group of Companies, is expected to boost agricultural output, cut import dependence, and position Zambia as a regional fertilizer supplier.

Officiating at the commissioning on Tuesday, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Siakalenga Siazonga, described the plant as a major step in the country’s industrialisation drive.

“By December 2025, when this plant is fully operational, Zambia will no longer need to spend large amounts of foreign exchange on fertilizer imports. This investment will support agricultural competitiveness, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth,” he said.

Designed to produce 108,000 metric tonnes of ammonia and 100,000 metric tonnes of urea annually, the plant will meet national demand with surplus for export.

UCF Board Chairperson, Chance Kabaghe, said the three-week test run would ensure all systems are ready before ramping up to full capacity.

He noted that with both D-Compound and urea produced locally, farmers will benefit from reliable supply without the costs and delays linked to imports.

The plant was completed in just two years, ahead of typical project timelines, with Chinese contractor Wuhuan Engineering providing technical expertise and training for local staff to manage operations independently.

It aligns with government targets to produce 10 million metric tonnes of maize, 1 million metric tonnes of wheat, and 1 million metric tonnes of beans annually by 2027.

UCF already operates one of the region’s largest D-Compound facilities, and the new plant will close the supply gap for top-dressing fertilizer, strengthening Zambia’s resilience against global supply chain disruptions.

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