Cassava market in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Earlier Report Observations

Cassava production in the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased from 38.9 million tons in 2018 to 45.2 million tons in 2023, reflecting steady growth over the six-year period. The market volume followed a similar upward trajectory, with a minor stabilization in 2021 when output briefly dipped to 42.5 million tons.

The stabilization in 2021 coincided with reports of reduced cassava yields in the Boma region of Kongo Central, which may have tempered overall national production. Subsequently, production resumed its growth, reaching 43.8 million tons in 2022. In 2023, the launch of a comprehensive cassava value chain development project supported by the United States, aimed at improving seed supply, production techniques, and processing standards, provided a direct boost to the sector. Additionally, the introduction of hydroponic cultivation methods offered new opportunities to overcome seed shortages and enhance productivity, contributing to the rise in production to 45.2 million tons that year.

Production cassava in Democratic Republic of the Congo

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

The Democratic Republic of the Congo ranked second globally in cassava production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of cassava, 2017-2020

World map of production of cassava, 2017-2020

Cassava production in the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 42 769 thousand tonnes of cassava, marking a 6.8% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 13.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports cassava from Democratic Republic of the Congo

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 29-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, cassava shipments from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to abroad totaled 77.0 tonnes, indicating a sharp decline of 42.8% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 252.8 tonnes. The largest decrease occurred in 2019, with a drop of 46.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a surge of 2 805.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium and France together accounted for 96.7% of total exports in kind, with the remaining flows distributed thinly across other markets.

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

World map of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The minimum value was recorded in 2017, while the maximum occurred in 2018, with an 11.4-fold variation between these years. In 2020, foreign cassava supplies from the Democratic Republic of the Congo amounted to 14.4 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp decline of 51.6% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 81.7 thousand US dollars. The largest decrease was in 2019, with a drop of 63.4%, and the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 1 036.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Belgium played the leading role in exports in value terms, holding a 76.0% share of total flows, while other markets together accounted for the remainder.

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

World map of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020

Imports cassava to Democratic Republic of the Congo

Imports in kind, t

Cassava shipments to the Democratic Republic of the Congo from abroad increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported a total of cassava, reflecting an abrupt increase of 53.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 6 840.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 311.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, t

Over the 2017-2020 period, the structure of imports in kind was dominated by a single market: Uganda, which held a 90.7% share of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest value was recorded in 2018, while the highest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 94 times. In 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo imported approximately 120.8 thousand US dollars of cassava, equivalent to an increase of 52.6% over the past year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1.3 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2018, with a drop of 94.9%, and the largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 6 036.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of imports in value terms was characterized by a strong dominance of Uganda, whose share reached 80.9% of total flows, while other partners held relatively minor shares.

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

World map of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020