In a significant gesture towards fostering transparency and international collaboration, PhosAgro, one of Russia's leading producers of phosphate-based fertilizers, recently welcomed a delegation of prominent African journalists to its Volkhov production complex.

This visit provided a rare opportunity for the media representatives to witness firsthand the extensive production facilities and cutting-edge infrastructure that position PhosAgro as a key player in the global agricultural industry.

The tour highlighted the recent upgrades and expansions at the Volkhov complex, including the state-of-the-art phosphoric acid and mineral fertilizer production facilities.

The journalists were also introduced to the newly constructed SK-800 sulphuric acid plant and the innovative energy facilities, which efficiently recycle processed steam into electricity, underscoring PhosAgro’s commitment to sustainable production practices.

During the visit, the journalists attended presentations detailing PhosAgro's comprehensive activities and the pivotal role the company plays in ensuring global food security.

PhosAgro’s contributions to the Russian mineral fertilizer industry were emphasized, particularly in supporting humanitarian projects across Africa.

These projects are integral to the company’s broader mission of enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability on a global scale.

PhosAgro's Deputy CEO for Finance and International Projects, Alexander Sharabaika, provided insights into the company’s extensive investments in the Volkhov complex, amounting to over RUB 34 billion. This significant financial commitment has led to a remarkable increase in the plant's production capabilities.

Since the commencement of new construction in 2019, the complex has seen a more than five-fold increase in mineral fertilizer production, now exceeding 1 million tonnes annually. The processing of phosphate rock has surged over sixfold to more than 1.6 million tonnes, while sulphuric acid and phosphoric acid production have also increased dramatically, with outputs now at 1.1 million tonnes and 600 thousand tonnes, respectively.

The strategic location of the Volkhov plant, near key Baltic ports, enhances PhosAgro's capacity to export products to Africa, further solidifying its role in supporting agricultural development on the continent. This was a key point of interest for the visiting journalists, given the growing importance of African markets in the global agricultural supply chain.

Beyond its production achievements, PhosAgro is deeply involved in humanitarian initiatives, particularly in Africa.

The company collaborates with international organizations like UNESCO and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) through the Green Chemistry for Life programme. This initiative provides grants to young scientists focusing on advanced chemical technologies in environmental protection, natural resource management, and waste recycling.

Currently, 48 young researchers, including 13 from African nations such as Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Sudan, and Zimbabwe, have been awarded grants. Additionally, more than 200 African researchers have participated in the Green Chemistry Summer School programme.

In a further demonstration of its commitment to Africa, PhosAgro became an official partner in the 2019 launch of AFRILAB, a regional network of soil laboratories across Africa. This collaboration with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) aims to enhance the quality and safety of fertilizers while monitoring soil conditions.

The network currently spans 220 laboratories across 54 African countries, benefiting over 11,000 farmers from 20 developing nations. Approximately 4,500 African farmers have received specialized training through this programme, with plans for expansion to reach even more farmers this year.

PhosAgro's commitment to education and knowledge-sharing is evident through its Pro Agro Lectorium platform, an international educational hub launched last year. Available in multiple languages, including English and Portuguese, the platform offers advanced educational tools in sustainable agriculture.

It has been recognized as an official educational platform by the Agribusiness Working Group of the BRICS Business Council, with support from FAO, the International Union of Soil Sciences, and leading global scientists.

Mikhail Sterkin, PhosAgro's Deputy CEO for Sales and Marketing, highlighted the platform's success, noting that nearly 60 academicians and practitioners, including nine African experts, have contributed over 420 lectures on topics such as agricultural science, agrochemistry, innovation, and digitisation.

The platform is now being integrated into the educational curricula of African universities, with nine cooperation agreements already signed.

The press tour also included visits to the Fifteenth Element corporate museum and exhibition center, where journalists learned about the historical significance of the Volkhov site.

The tour concluded with a visit to St Andrew's Cathedral, constructed by PhosAgro as part of its Spiritual Revival program, and the Staraya Ladoga Museum-Reserve. The journalists expressed their gratitude to PhosAgro’s senior executives for the comprehensive and enlightening experience.

PhosAgro's extensive product range, including phosphate rock, 58 grades of fertilizers, feed phosphates, ammonia, and sodium tripolyphosphate, is utilized by customers in over 100 countries. The company's strategic focus extends beyond Russia and the CIS to key markets in Latin America, Europe, and Asia, with Africa emerging as a critical region in its global outreach.