• Egypt to launch $573 million project to produce phosphoric acid for fertilizers
• First phase to yield 250,000 tons annually; commercial output expected in 2028
• Project aims to cut imports and grow Egypt’s share in global fertilizer trade

Egypt is set to boost its domestic fertilizer industry through a $573 million investment in a new phosphoric acid production plant, scheduled to begin construction in 2026. The plant will be located in the Abu Tartour area of New Valley Governorate and is expected to enter commercial service in 2028.

The facility, developed under the Abu Tartour for Phosphoric Acid project, will be built in two phases with a target capacity of 500,000 tons of phosphoric acid per year. The first phase will account for half that volume. Phosphoric acid is a critical component in the production of both solid and liquid phosphated fertilizers.

Contracts for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) are expected to be finalized by the end of June 2025, paving the way for construction to begin in 2026.

Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, described the plant as a strategic step to increase the value of local mineral resources. “Phosphoric acid is a key raw material in the chemical industry, especially for fertilizers. This will allow Egypt to reduce its imports and expand its export capabilities,” he said.

Egypt is currently the second-largest exporter of chemical fertilizers in Africa. The government hopes this project will enhance its competitiveness in the global market, especially in the phosphated fertilizer segment. According to Trade Map data, Egypt’s fertilizer exports reached $2.43 billion in 2024, with $549.5 million generated from phosphate fertilizer, representing 22.5% of the total.