SADC: Cassava Market 2025

Cassava Market Size in SADC

The SADC cassava market shrank modestly to $X in 2022, approximately equating the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed in certain years. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Cassava Production in SADC

In value terms, cassava production declined slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total production indicated measured growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +1.0% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 34% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2017 to 2022, production growth failed to regain momentum.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons) remains the largest cassava producing country in SADC, comprising approx. 56% of total volume. Moreover, cassava production in Democratic Republic of the Congo exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Angola (X tons), fivefold. The third position in this ranking was held by Tanzania (X tons), with an 8.3% share.

In Democratic Republic of the Congo, cassava production increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Angola (-0.9% per year) and Tanzania (+1.8% per year).

In 2022, the average cassava yield in SADC was estimated at X tons per ha, standing approx. at 2021. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the cassava yield attained the maximum level at X tons per ha in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The cassava harvested area dropped to X ha in 2022, which is down by -2.2% on 2021 figures. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the harvested area increased by 5.7%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to cassava production attained the maximum at X ha in 2021, and then dropped modestly in the following year.

Cassava Exports

Exports in SADC

In 2022, the amount of cassava exported in SADC surged to X tons, jumping by 1,620% against the previous year's figure. Over the period under review, exports recorded a significant increase. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, cassava exports surged to $X in 2022. Overall, exports posted significant growth. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Tanzania (X tons) represented roughly 98% of total exports in 2022.

Tanzania was also the fastest-growing in terms of the cassava exports, with a CAGR of +58.3% from 2012 to 2022. While the share of Tanzania (+68 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Tanzania ($X) also remains the largest cassava supplier in SADC.

In Tanzania, cassava exports increased at an average annual rate of +43.1% over the period from 2012-2022.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -64.6% against the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 when the export price increased by 54% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Tanzania.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Tanzania amounted to -9.7% per year.

Cassava Imports

Imports in SADC

In 2022, after four years of growth, there was significant decline in purchases abroad of cassava, when their volume decreased by -8.8% to X tons. Overall, imports, however, showed a strong increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 157% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2021, and then reduced in the following year.

In value terms, cassava imports contracted to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a prominent increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when imports increased by 165% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2021, and then declined in the following year.

Imports by Country

Democratic Republic of the Congo represented the main importing country with an import of around X tons, which finished at 73% of total imports. South Africa (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with a 15% share, followed by Angola (11%).

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to cassava imports into Democratic Republic of the Congo stood at +33.0%. At the same time, Angola (+33.8%) and South Africa (+8.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Angola emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in SADC, with a CAGR of +33.8% from 2012-2022. Democratic Republic of the Congo (+51 p.p.) and Angola (+7.6 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while South Africa saw its share reduced by -19.8% from 2012 to 2022, respectively.

In value terms, Angola ($X), Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X) and South Africa ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2022, with a combined 97% share of total imports.

Angola, with a CAGR of +46.2%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the imports figures.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in SADC amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -5.9% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a abrupt descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the import price increased by 46% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Angola ($X per ton), while Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Angola (+9.3%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform