Barley market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Barley market volume in Sub-Saharan Africa expanded from 2.7 million tons in 2018 to over 3.4 million tons in 2020, driven by favourable weather conditions and improved yields in key producing countries like South Africa. The growth was further supported by rising demand from the brewing sector, as breweries expanded in Ethiopia and South African Breweries maintained fixed-price contracts for producers. However, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced alcohol sales restrictions in 2020, which began to affect farmer planting decisions and market stability.

Production and market volume declined to 2.7 million tons by 2022, as the lingering effects of pandemic-related alcohol bans reduced planted area and unpredictable weather affected crop quality. During this period, the South African malt barley market saw the entry of a second major buyer, ending the monopoly of South African Breweries and introducing new competition. Climate factors also made alternative crops more attractive to farmers, contributing to the drop in barley cultivation.

The market recovered to 3.1 million tons in 2023, supported by operational efficiency measures at major brewers like Guinness Ghana and investments in local sourcing by companies such as GB Foods. In 2024, Nigerian Breweries piloted domestic barley production in northern Nigeria, aiming to reduce import reliance amid foreign exchange pressures, while consumer spending constraints continued to influence beverage demand across the region.

Production barley in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

Barley production in Sub-Saharan Africa has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 3,400 K t of barley, marking a 15.8% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 23.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2,618 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 5.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports barley from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Cross-border shipments of barley from Sub-Saharan Africa have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region exported 8.4 K t of barley, showing a 31.7% increase over the past year. However, between 2017 and 2020, exports overall decreased by 38.2%, which translates to an annualized decline of 14.8%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 6.1 K t, with the largest drop of 55.1% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. The highest export value was recorded in 2019, while the lowest was in 2018, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.1 times. In 2020, barley exports from Sub-Saharan Africa amounted to 2,771 K US dollars, down by 27.4% from the previous year. The minimum value was 1,808 K US dollars in 2018, and the maximum was 3,819 K US dollars in 2019. The largest decline of 41.5% occurred in 2018, whereas the largest increase of 111.2% was recorded in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports barley to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, barley import volumes into Sub-Saharan Africa have increased. In 2020, the region imported approximately 52.7 K t of barley, up by 52.7% compared to the previous year. Despite this recent uptick, imports decreased by 55% between 2017 and 2020, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 23.4%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 34.5 K t, with the largest drop of 55.1% occurring in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France, Australia, and China were the key partners for barley imports in kind. France accounted for 31.1% of imports, Australia for 14.8%, and China for 8.2%. Together, these three countries represented 54.1% of total import flows during this period.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Barley import volumes in Sub-Saharan Africa have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the import value amounted to 15,652 K US dollars, down by 1.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 57.1%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 24.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017–2020, France, China, and Australia were the main markets for barley imports in value terms. France contributed 30.7% of imports, China 18.0%, and Australia 14.3%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 63.0% of total import flows in this timeframe.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020