Africa: Maize Market 2023

Maize Market Size in Africa

In 2021, the African maize market decreased by -1.5% to $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year rising trend. Over the period under review, consumption showed a slight setback. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Maize Production in Africa

In value terms, maize production dropped slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production saw a mild reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the production volume increased by 27% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2016 to 2021, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2021 were Nigeria (X tons), Ethiopia (X tons) and South Africa (X tons), with a combined 71% share of total production.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in Ethiopia (with a CAGR of +2.3%), while production for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In 2021, the average maize yield in Africa contracted to X tons per ha, standing approx. at 2020. Over the period under review, the yield, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 1.3%. As a result, the yield reached the peak level of X tons per ha, leveling off in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the harvested area of maize (green) in Africa stood at X ha, stabilizing at 2020 figures. In general, the harvested area recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the harvested area increased by 2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to maize production attained the maximum at X ha in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Maize Exports

Exports in Africa

Maize exports was estimated at X tons in 2021, surging by 4.1% against the previous year. Overall, exports posted a buoyant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 593% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, maize exports stood at $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports recorded a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 528% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2015 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Ethiopia (X tons) represented the key exporter of maize (green), constituting 34% of total exports. Morocco (X tons) held the second position in the ranking, followed by Senegal (X tons), Kenya (X tons) and South Africa (X tons). All these countries together took approx. 58% share of total exports. The following exporters - Egypt (X tons) and Algeria (X tons) - together made up 5.3% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in Ethiopia (with a CAGR of +78.2%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Ethiopia ($X) remains the largest maize supplier in Africa, comprising 59% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Kenya ($X), with an 18% share of total exports. It was followed by Morocco, with an 8% share.

In Ethiopia, maize exports increased at an average annual rate of +98.1% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Kenya (+13.3% per year) and Morocco (+11.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, almost unchanged from the previous year. In general, the export price saw a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when the export price increased by 37%. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Ethiopia ($X per ton), while Algeria ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ethiopia (+11.2%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Maize Imports

Imports in Africa

In 2021, approx. X tons of maize (green) were imported in Africa; reducing by -20.1% compared with the previous year's figure. Overall, imports saw a noticeable setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 41%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, maize imports rose modestly to $X in 2021. In general, imports saw a deep downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when imports increased by 176%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Somalia (X tons) and Mauritania (X tons) dominates imports structure, together comprising 84% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Botswana (X tons), making up a 5.3% share of total imports. Djibouti (X tons) took a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key importing countries, was attained by Djibouti (with a CAGR of +56.8%), while imports for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

In value terms, Somalia ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported maize (green) in Africa, comprising 88% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Djibouti ($X), with a 2.7% share of total imports. It was followed by Mauritania, with a 1.8% share.

In Somalia, maize imports decreased by an average annual rate of -8.2% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Djibouti (+57.7% per year) and Mauritania (-2.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2021, jumping by 28% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, saw a perceptible reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when the import price increased by 96%. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Somalia ($X per ton), while Mauritania ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mauritania (+1.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

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