Agri Revolution Starts

Mwamba says the $1Billion-dollar project will usher in new era for investors and farmers alike

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (July 2, 2025)

 – The construction of the Wonderful Group’s state-of-the-art fertilizer manufacturing plant in Lusaka — a nearly $1 billion investment — has reached over 90% completion, with full-scale production expected to commence in the fourth quarter of this year.

Group Acting Chief Executive Officer Roy Mwamba confirmed the progress during a familiarisation tour of the facility by a delegation from the Ministry of Education and representatives from Zambia’s top three public universities: the University of Zambia, the Copperbelt University, and Mukuba University. 

He said the project is set to transform the country’s fertilizer industry through the adoption of advanced chemical formulation, steam-powered energy generation, and a zero-waste operational model.

Massive Investment and Near Completion

Mwamba revealed that the total investment in the project is now approaching $1 billion, with $595 million already injected into the plant and an additional $310 million in ongoing infrastructure and technological development.

“The plant is 90% complete,” Mwamba said. “Our focus is now on finalizing mechanical piping essential for ammonia and gas transfer. Underground storage tanks, automated packaging, and warehousing systems are already operational.”

He added that full-scale production is expected to begin in the fourth quarter, with initial targets including the achievement of 80-megawatt power capacity and urea concentration levels of 46% — aligning with global quality standards.

Economic Significance for Zambia

Mwamba said the plant’s commissioning will not only reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imported fertilizers but also create significant local economic activity across multiple value chains.

“This facility is a game-changer for Zambia’s agricultural economy,” he said. “We’re creating a full domestic value chain — from input processing to finished fertilizer — which will reduce our import bill, improve supply reliability, and increase export potential to neighboring countries.”

He said the plant is expected to create over 3,000 direct and indirect jobs once fully operational, in addition to fostering downstream industries in packaging, transport, logistics, and agro-distribution.

Skills Development and Research Opportunities

Mwamba underscored the importance of aligning industrial development with local skills training.

“This facility offers immense opportunities for applied research and innovation,” he said. “If we don’t invest in developing local technical expertise, we’ll continue depending on foreign experts to operate such facilities.

 Our partnership with universities is critical in bridging that gap and preparing our graduates for real-world industry demands.”

Exceeding Environmental and Energy Standards

In a region often challenged by pollution from heavy industry, the Wonderful Group plant is positioning itself as a model for clean manufacturing. 

Mwamba revealed that the facility has already surpassed World Bank environmental compliance thresholds.

“We are generating up to 85 megawatts of energy from steam without using any external fuel,” he said. “Our systems are based on zero-waste principles — water is recycled, and ammonia will be piped to a secondary facility to produce phosphoric acid, reducing both emissions and waste.”

He said the company undertook rigorous environmental impact assessments in partnership with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and implemented a strict monitoring framework to ensure compliance.

“We’ve invested in advanced filtration systems to reduce particulate emissions, and we’ve built containment systems to prevent chemical leaks into surrounding soils or water bodies,” Mwamba said.

He added that the company is establishing a green buffer zone around the plant, which includes tree planting and eco-restoration of surrounding land to absorb carbon emissions and preserve biodiversity.

Chemical Formulation: A Technological Breakthrough

A significant innovation at the plant is the use of MDK — a chemical formulation method that replaces the traditional blending process. 

This technology ensures laboratory-verified consistency and nutrient precision in fertilizer production.

“Instead of mixing components physically, we start with a lab-based formula. The data is fed into our automated systems, which then mix, dry, and compress the fertilizer into cakes,” Mwamba explained.

 “This process enhances quality, ensures uniformity, and significantly improves results for farmers.”

Addressing Input Costs and Import Dependency

Mwamba acknowledged the challenges affecting Zambia’s fertilizer sector, particularly price fluctuations and raw material shortages.

“One of the biggest challenges is the volatility of input prices due to external market forces,” he said.

 “To address this, we are working on localizing input sourcing and stabilizing our supply chain, which we anticipate achieving within 18 months.”

Wider Economic Footprint

The plant tour concluded with a visit to the paprika production unit, where the company operates four lines with a combined annual output of 17,000 metric tons — a demonstration of its diversified investment in agriculture and value addition.

Government Highlights Skills and Jobs Alignment

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education (Universities Division), Kelvin Mambwe, highlighted the significance of the plant in supporting the government’s agenda on skills development and job creation as outlined in the 8th National Development Plan.

He said the partnership between the Wonderful Group and Zambia’s universities would enhance practical training opportunities, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs.

“The integration of university students into this industrial environment provides hands-on experience that is critical for employability,” Mambwe said. 

“This facility will contribute directly to reducing youth unemployment by creating thousands of jobs both during construction and in ongoing operations.”

Mambwe noted that such initiatives align with the 8th National Development Plan’s focus on industrialization, youth empowerment, and sustainable economic growth.

“This kind of investment not only develops human capital but also stimulates inclusive growth across multiple sectors of the economy,” he said.

University Officials Applaud Industry Partnership

Prof. Emmanuel Chanda, Dean of the School of Mines at the University of Zambia, described the partnership as “a vital step in aligning academic research with industry needs.”

“Exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing processes will greatly enhance the practical skills of our students,” Prof. Chanda said.

 “This collaboration opens doors for joint research projects and internships that are essential for building a competent workforce.”

Dr. Musonga Lungu, Dean of the School of Mines and Mineral Sciences at Copperbelt University, welcomed the opportunity for his students to gain hands-on experience.

“Industrial attachments at a facility of this scale are invaluable,” he said. 

“It allows students to apply theoretical knowledge, develop problem-solving skills, and understand the complexities of modern fertilizer production.”

From Mukuba University, Dr. Gilbert Samukonga, Director of the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, highlighted the potential for innovation.

“This partnership presents a platform for applied agricultural research and technology transfer,” Dr. Samukonga said. 

“Our students and faculty will be able to contribute to, and benefit from, advancements that directly impact Zambia’s food security.”