Rwanda Fertilizer Company (RFC), a collaborative venture between OCP Africa – subsidiary of OCP Group, a global leader in plant nutrition and the world’s largest producer of phosphate-based fertilizers – AGACIRO Fund, and APTC, was honored to welcome a Rwandan ministerial delegation led by HE Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze, Minister of trade with the presence of HE Ildephonse Musafiri, Minister of agriculture to the state-of-the-art blending plant in Bugesera. This significant visit represents a pivotal step in the production of high-quality fertilizers, commenced since August 2023, underscoring RFC’s and OCP Africa’s commitment to enhancing food security and fostering agricultural development, not only in Rwanda but also across East Africa Region.
Encompassing over 8 hectares at the industrial park of Bugesera, this facility houses a cutting-edge blending unit covering 4 hectares with a production capacity of 120 tons per hour, equivalent to 100,000 tons annually. It also includes a 25,000-ton storage unit, a modern laboratory equipped with the latest analysis technologies for product quality control and soil analysisand characterization, and a future 4-hectare pilotfarm for conducting agronomictrials and training farmers.
With an annual production capacity of 100,000 tons, the blending plant aspires to achieve a 40% increase in crop yield through customized formulas optimizing soil health and nutrient balance. The plant is anticipatedto generateapproximately 50direct jobs, facilitate thetransfer of expertise to enhance Rwanda’s skills in the fertilizer industry, and contribute to a 25% increase in farmers’ income, thereby fostering economic empowerment.
During this momentous occasion, Dr. MohamedAnouar Jamali, CEO of OCP Africa & Chairman of RFC, remarked, “This state-of-the-art facility is not only intended for the production of fertilizers but also to have a profound impact on the agricultural value chain of Rwanda and the region. OCP Africa is committed to contributing to the transformation of the food system in the East region, and Rwanda represents a strategic hub for our group.”
The Bugesera blending unit, spanning more than an industrial facility, is positioned as a center of excellence and service delivery available to RFC’s partners to enhance soil yields for achieving food security. It serves as a platform for sharing experiences, knowledge, and know-how between the OCP Group, RFC, and stakeholders in the Rwandan agricultural sector.
Mr. Anass Khanchoufi, MD RFC, based in Kigali, “At RFC, we are convinced that the efficient use of customized fertilizers is one of the best ways to increase farmers’ productivity.”
This collaboration encompasses the entire agricultural value chain, from tailored fertilizer solutions to local soils and crops, to improving fertilizer availability at competitive prices in the
local market, and implementing support measures for Rwandan farmers, contributing to the development of the logistics chain and strengthening the local distribution network.
In 2023, RFC has marked an extraordinary year of dedication to Rwandan farmers through impactful projects such as the OCP SCHOOL lab, demonstration plots, and widespread donation distributions. As a fitting conclusion to this exceptional year, RFC has proudly initiated local production for our ‘Made in Rwanda’ products since August 2023, slated to debut in the agricultural season of 2024, symbolizing our unwavering commitment to advancing the agricultural landscape and fostering sustainable growth within Rwanda.
