Beans market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled beans in Eastern Africa showed considerable volatility between 2018 and 2023. Volume contracted sharply in 2019 to 66,844 t before recovering in 2020 and stabilizing around 71,000-72,000 t for the next two years. A significant rebound occurred in 2023, with the market reaching 79,817 t, close to the 83,548 t level observed in 2018.

Recent developments in key producing countries like Kenya are influencing the market's structure. The widespread adoption of new, high-yielding bean varieties such as Nyota and Angaza has increased production potential, while the introduction of specialty types like yellow beans has created a profitable new segment favored for its taste and resilience. These quality-focused varieties are crucial for meeting the stringent standards of major export markets, particularly the European Union, which absorbs a significant portion of Kenya's horticultural bean exports.

Regional trade dynamics and local challenges also play a role. In Uganda, market access and price stability are frequently affected by supply fluctuations and poor rural infrastructure, sometimes necessitating imports from neighboring Tanzania. Meanwhile, ongoing research into nutrient-rich bean varieties aims to address nutritional needs, adding another dimension to market development in the region.

Production beans in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of beans, 2017-2020

In Eastern Africa, bean production reached 90.8 thousand tons in 2020, showing a controlled increase of 5.7% from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 85.9 thousand tons, while the highest was in 2018 at 100.0 thousand tons. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 14.1%, whereas the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 14.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of bean production in Eastern Africa was 175.3 million US dollars, marking a moderate advance of 8.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 8.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 161.3 million US dollars, and the maximum in 2018 at 213.1 million US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019, falling by 24.3%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, rising by 11.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports beans from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Eastern Africa exported 25 651 tons of beans, representing a substantial decline of 20.7% from 2019. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 22 649 tons, and the maximum in 2019 at 32 334 tons. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 42.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, bean exports from Eastern Africa were not heavily concentrated on a few key markets. The United Kingdom accounted for 13.0% of exports in kind, the Netherlands for 12.1%, and France for 11.5%, with these three countries jointly making up 36.6% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of beans from Eastern Africa reached 49 526 thousand US dollars, amounting to an 18.4% fall compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 12.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 48 255 thousand US dollars, and the maximum in 2019 at 60 724 thousand US dollars. The largest increase was in 2019, rising by 25.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for bean exports from Eastern Africa in value terms were the United Kingdom, accounting for 28.0% of exports, France with 24.2%, and the Netherlands with 21.3%. Together, these three countries represented 73.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports beans to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period, with import levels fluctuating 2.4 times between the high in 2017 and the low in 2018. In 2020, bean shipments to Eastern Africa from abroad totaled 9 797 tons, amounting to a reduction of 26.2% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 6 200 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 58.0%, while the biggest increase was in 2019, rising by 114.2%.

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

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Eastern Africa imported 3 344 thousand US dollars worth of beans, marking a substantial fall of 22.8% over the past year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 55%, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.4%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, dropping by 48.2%, and the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 12.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the main markets for bean imports to Eastern Africa in value terms were Egypt, accounting for 2.3% of imports, South Africa with 2.0%, and the United States with 0.6%. Together, these three countries took 4.9% of total flows.

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

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