Anass Khanchoufi, Managing Director of RFC
Bugesera: Rwanda Fertilizer Company (RFC), a collaboration between OCP Africa, the Agaciro Fund, and APTC, has introduced three new ‘Made in Rwanda’ fertilizer blends: Twihaze, Ongera, and Ongera+. These blends aim to accelerate Rwanda’s transition to precision agriculture and sustainable productivity growth.
Developed in partnership with the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB) through the Rwanda Soil Information System (RwaSIS), these innovative products are tailored to Rwanda’s diverse soils and crop needs based on scientific data.
RFC Staff member
A Significant Step for Rwanda’s Agricultural Modernization
The official launch, attended by senior representatives from MINAGRI, RAB, and other national institutions, marks a significant milestone in Rwanda’s agricultural transformation. By translating advanced soil science into locally produced solutions, RFC is establishing a new standard for efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in African agriculture.
With expected yield increases of over 20% and resource efficiency gains of up to 40%, this initiative demonstrates how data-driven, public-private partnerships can empower smallholder farmers, enhance food security, and drive Rwanda’s economic development.
“For years, Rwandan farmers have relied on generic fertilizer recommendations that did not consider the country’s diverse agro-ecological zones,” said Mr. Anass Khanchoufi, Managing Director of RFC. “This one-size-fits-all approach limited yields and decreased soil efficiency. With our new products, we are offering tailored solutions to Rwandan farmers, improving both yields and soil health.”
Science and Data as the Foundation of Customization
In 2019, the Government of Rwanda introduced the Rwanda Soil Information System (RwaSIS), a detailed digital database mapping soil nutrient profiles nationwide. Operational since November 2024, RwaSIS identified two main productivity constraints: widespread soil acidity and micronutrient deficiencies. Over 80% of Rwanda’s arable land suffers from high acidity, which reduces nutrient availability, while deficiencies in sulfur, zinc, and boron limit plant growth and grain quality.
Within this scientific framework, RFC’s new range represents a significant shift from standard to personalized nutrition. Following the 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles: applying the right nutrient, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place, RFC is promoting sustainable intensification, enhancing soil health, and building long-term resilience in farming systems.
Locally Tailored Solutions, Scientifically Supported Each new blend underwent a thorough process of agronomic research, field trials, and stakeholder engagement. Using RwaSIS data, RFC, OCP Africa, and partners such as MINAGRI, RAB, and national Agrodealer networks, conducted technical workshops to develop blends aligned with scientific findings and farmers’ needs. Extensive on-farm demonstrations in key agricultural zones are currently in progress.
The new blends directly tackle Rwanda’s most critical soil challenges:
• Twihaze (PK 31-10 + 8CaO): Combines lime (providing calcium and magnesium) with phosphorus from TSP, potash, and trace elements. By correcting soil acidity, it unlocks trapped nutrients and enhances the performance of subsequent applications.
• Ongera (NPK 13:26:12 + 5S + 0.07B + 0.1Zn): Provides targeted micronutrients essential for higher yields.
• Ongera+ (NPK 15:30:12 + 5.6S + 0.08B + 0.1Zn): A premium formulation with reinforced sulfur, zinc, and boron to address identified deficiencies.
Aside from their composition, these blends represent a new era of intelligent formulations designed to meet specific crop and regional requirements.
Promoting Innovation through Local Manufacturing
The fertilizers are manufactured at RFC’s cutting-edge blending facility in the Bugesera Special Economic Zone, established in December 2023. With an annual capacity of 100,000 tons, the plant meets Rwanda’s domestic needs while facilitating regional exports.
Equipped with advanced blending systems, a 25,000-ton storage unit, and a modern laboratory for soil and fertilizer analysis, the facility also includes a pilot farm for ongoing research, farmer training, and innovation transfer, reinforcing RFC’s role as a driver of agricultural progress.
Mr. Mortabit Marouane, Head of commercial activities East Africa, remarked: “Our journey towards personalized fertilizers is just beginning. Through initiatives like national soil fertility mapping, the GIS-based crop nutrient platform, and RFC’s integrated blending and research center, OCP Africa and RFC will continue to advance Rwanda’s precision agriculture agenda, positioning RFC and Rwanda as a regional hub for innovation and productivity growth.”
About RFC
Rwanda Fertilizer Company Ltd (RFC) is a JV between OCP AFRICA, AGACIRO Fund and APTC th…