South Africa: Kola Nut Market 2025

Kola Nut Market Size in South Africa

In 2022, the South African kola nut market was finally on the rise to reach $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Overall, consumption, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Kola Nut Production in South Africa

In value terms, kola nut production fell to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 40% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2020 to 2022, production growth failed to regain momentum.

In 2022, the average kola nut yield in South Africa amounted to less than X kg per ha, remaining constant against 2021 figures. Over the period under review, the yield recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of kola nuts production in South Africa was estimated at less than X ha, stabilizing at 2021. Overall, the harvested area showed a relatively flat trend pattern.

Kola Nut Exports

Exports from South Africa

Kola nut exports from South Africa declined sharply to X tons in 2022, shrinking by -17.1% compared with 2021 figures. Overall, exports, however, showed a prominent expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 416% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2021, and then reduced remarkably in the following year.

In value terms, kola nut exports reduced rapidly to $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, posted a significant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 556%. The exports peaked at $X in 2021, and then shrank significantly in the following year.

Exports by Country

The United Arab Emirates (X tons) was the main destination for kola nut exports from South Africa, with a approx. 100% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to the United Arab Emirates totaled +63.9%.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) also remains the key foreign market for kola nuts exports from South Africa.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the United Arab Emirates totaled +66.7%.

Export Prices by Country

The average kola nut export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, approximately reflecting the previous year. In general, export price indicated prominent growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +7.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, kola nut export price increased by +52.8% against 2018 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 45%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the Czech Republic amounted to +17.2% per year.

Kola Nut Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2022, supplies from abroad of kola nuts was finally on the rise to reach X kg for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Overall, imports, however, showed a slight curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by 536%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, kola nut imports soared to $X in 2022. In general, imports recorded prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 426%. Imports peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Togo (X kg) constituted the largest supplier of kola nut to South Africa, with a 63% share of total imports. Moreover, kola nut imports from Togo exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Nigeria (X kg), twofold. Congo (X kg) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 5.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Togo amounted to +2,682.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Nigeria (+18.2% per year) and Congo (+1,233.3% per year).

In value terms, Togo ($X) constituted the largest supplier of kola nuts to South Africa, comprising 68% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Nigeria ($X), with a 10% share of total imports. It was followed by Congo, with a 5.8% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Togo stood at +1,445.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Nigeria (+12.5% per year) and Congo (+2,800.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average kola nut import price amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 44% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded prominent growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 144%. The import price peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Congo ($X per ton), while the price for Cameroon ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Congo (+117.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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