Focus Area

Strengthening Local Fertilizer and Chemical Manufacturing

IFC is strengthening sustainable fertilizer manufacturing and chemical production in developing countries by partnering with stakeholders to build efficient, competitive and sustainable production capacities that enhance resource management, increase availability of critical manufacturing intermediate goods and final products, and encourages formation and strengthening of local and global supply chains.

Understanding the indispensability of chemical and fertilizer manufacturers in every aspect of everyday lives of those in our client countries — including but not limited to basic necessities such as fertilizers for food security, fibers in clothing, and plastics in consumer and medical goods — our mission is to ensure that the fertilizer and chemical manufacturing have the resources they need to thrive and compete as cleaner and greener businesses of the future.

IFC partners with chemical and fertilizer companies to help them achieve higher efficiencies that benefit their operations, financial position, and their communities. We structure financing arrangements that encourage companies to innovate, hire local employees, and incorporate modern processes with best-available-technology and skills building while at the same time safely expand production and conserve resources.  All of our work is under the umbrella of promoting sustainable production and reducing hazardous emissions that can harm the environment.

Clean Hydrogen: Scaling Up to Meet Net Zero Emissions Targets

How IFC Supports the Chemical and Fertilizer Manufacturing Sector

IFC’s commitment to the chemical and fertilizer sector dates back to the late 1960s, when we provided $82.5 million in financing for the construction of a fertilizer plant in India, under the sponsorship of Imperial Chemical Industries Limited. Since then, IFC has continued to support the growth of the chemical and fertilizer sectors through strategic investments that strengthen sustainable production, enhance food security, and drive inclusive economic development.

IFC provides tailored financing and advisory solutions that enable companies to:

Adopt best-available technologies
Expand low-carbon production
Improve resource efficiency
Scale operations safely and sustainably

The goal is to help companies innovate, grow, and remain competitive—while reducing hazardous emissions and conserving natural resources.

In March 2024, IFC announced a $1.25 billion financing package for Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited in Nigeria, which will expand low carbon fertilizer production and availability to support food production and security across regional and international markets, and fostering job creation in Nigeria.

In December 2024, IFC provided a US$71 million financing package to SAFCO Ventures in Pakistan to construct a 200,000 tons per year biorefinery to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The facility will convert thousands of tons of used cooking oil and other waste oils into low carbon aviation fuel, helping to reduce global emissions and boost the local circular economy. It will be the first large-scale SAF facility in South Asia and will help create hundreds of jobs while enhancing Pakistan’s exports.

"We are pleased to collaborate with IFC in setting up this important facility in Pakistan," said Ali Shaikh, Founder and CEO of SAFCO Ventures. "We believe we are strategically positioned to scale up SAF production, while fostering a more efficient and sustainable feedstock oil value chain in the country."

Through our investments, IFC is helping to:

Accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions in hard-to-abate sectors
Enhance food security through fertilizers and agrochemicals
Support manufacturing of battery chemicals and high value materials
Diversify local economies through green industrial growth

By expanding fertilizer manufacturing, IFC helps farmers access the tools they need to increase yields and improve food security. By supporting clean fuels like SAF, IFC advances energy transition and job creation in green industries — creating a more sustainable future for all.

How IFC Delivers Impact in the Manufacturing Sector

Sustainable Industrialization Knowledge Source

IFC is committed to building sustainable markets and supply chains that prioritize environmental responsibility while unlocking economic opportunities.
Global Trade Supplier Finance

IFC provides short-term financing to small and medium-sized suppliers in emerging markets. The program helps improve supplier cash flow, build more resilient supply chains, and support the integration of smaller businesses into global trade networks.
Project Preparation & Advisory

IFC offers tailored project preparation and advisory services that complement its investments — helping manufacturers improve performance, enter new markets, and adopt sustainable, inclusive business practices.