Fertilizer subsidy programmes have played a central role in agricultural development across Africa, helping improve farmers’ access to inputs, boost productivity, and strengthen food security. While many programmes have delivered positive results, experiences across the continent also highlight challenges related to targeting, efficiency, sustainability, and market development.

As African countries seek more effective and sustainable agricultural support systems, attention is shifting towards subsidy models that not only support farmers but also strengthen markets, encourage private sector participation, and deliver long-term development outcomes.

To advance this conversation, the Africa Fertilizer Industry Development Association (AFIDA) and the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI) are convening a virtual policy dialogue. The event will bring together policymakers, researchers, private sector leaders, farmer organisations, and development partners to share evidence, examine lessons from fertilizer subsidy programmes across Africa, and identify practical policy recommendations for the future.

Objectives

The dialogue will:

• Share evidence and lessons from fertilizer subsidy programmes across Africa.
• Assess their impact on input access, agricultural productivity, and market development.
• Explore how different subsidy models influence public investment, private sector participation, and agricultural transformation.
• Generate practical recommendations for more sustainable and catalytic agricultural support systems.