Remarks by World Bank Group President David Malpass at the High-Level Event on Access to Grains and Fertilizers in Africa During UNGA 77

Abstract

This report discusses the readout from World Bank Group President David Malpass’s meeting at the at the High-Level event on access to grains and fertilizers in Africa during UNGA 77. The global food, energy, and fertilizer crisis is taking a toll on developing countries. These sectors are closely interlinked. Natural gas is used both as a feedstock and energy source in the production of ammonia, accounting for 70 to 80 percent of ammonia production costs. The rapid increase in gas prices has turned into an increase in fertilizer prices, with fertilizer prices tripling over the past two years. Last Friday, we released our Food Security Update, despite the recent stabilization of agriculture prices and the resumption of grain exports from the Black Sea, high food inflation and food security remain a critical concern. The challenge is meeting the immediate demand for fertilizers to support next season’s crops. Current projections suggest that Africa’s unmet demand could reach four million metric tons this year, with West Africa facing the most acute challenges this growing season.