Western Africa: Rice Market 2025

Rice Market Size in Western Africa

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in the West African rice market, when its value increased by 7.7% to $X. The total consumption indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.3% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Rice Production in Western Africa

In value terms, rice production rose notably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production recorded a prominent increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 41%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

Nigeria (X tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of rice production, accounting for 39% of total volume. Moreover, rice production in Nigeria exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Guinea (X tons), threefold. Mali (X tons) ranked third in terms of total production with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume in Nigeria stood at +4.9%. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Guinea (+2.9% per year) and Mali (+1.7% per year).

In 2021, the average rice yield in Western Africa declined modestly to X tons per ha, therefore, remained relatively stable against 2020 figures. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when the yield increased by 9.6%. The level of yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, 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.

In 2021, the rice harvested area in Western Africa rose remarkably to X ha, picking up by 5.6% on the year before. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 15%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to rice production attained the maximum in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Rice Exports

Exports in Western Africa

In 2021, exports of rice in Western Africa skyrocketed to X tons, jumping by 18% on 2020 figures. Over the period under review, exports recorded a strong increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 126%. The volume of export peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

In value terms, rice exports expanded rapidly to $X in 2021. In general, exports showed buoyant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 180% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

Niger represented the major exporting country with an export of around X tons, which resulted at 81% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Senegal (X tons), constituting a 16% share of total exports.

Niger was also the fastest-growing in terms of the rice exports, with a CAGR of +30.4% from 2012 to 2021. Senegal experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. Niger (+59 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Senegal saw its share reduced by -30.7% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Niger ($X) remains the largest rice supplier in Western Africa, comprising 87% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Senegal ($X), with a 12% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Niger stood at +29.5%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, falling by -2.7% against the previous year. Export price indicated a temperate expansion from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.8% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, rice export price increased by +64.1% against 2015 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the export price increased by 24% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2020, and then dropped slightly in the following year.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Niger ($X per ton), while Senegal totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Senegal (+0.1%).

Rice Imports

Imports in Western Africa

After three years of decline, supplies from abroad of rice increased by 18% to X tons in 2021. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 48% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, rice imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a perceptible shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 48% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

The countries with the highest levels of rice imports in 2021 were Senegal (X tons), Cote d'Ivoire (X tons), Benin (X tons) and Ghana (X tons), together reaching 69% of total import. Niger (X tons) ranks next in terms of the total imports with a 6.7% share, followed by Sierra Leone (5.2%) and Liberia (4.7%).

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the leading importing countries, was attained by Benin (with a CAGR of +10.5%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Benin ($X), Cote d'Ivoire ($X) and Senegal ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, with a combined 58% share of total imports.

Benin, with a CAGR of +8.0%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a abrupt downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 7.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Benin ($X per ton) and Ghana ($X per ton), while Senegal ($X per ton) and Sierra Leone ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Sierra Leone (-1.7%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :