Coconut oil and fractions market in Togo

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, coconut oil production in Togo faced constraints as increased exports of raw coconuts to Nigeria and Europe reduced the local availability of feedstock. This period also saw the launch of the Agro-Processing Project at the end of 2018, which included a state-of-the-art refinery operated by SOPAL in the port area, laying the groundwork for future capacity expansion. Despite these foundational efforts, national production of vegetable oils remained insufficient to meet growing local demand.

A significant turnaround began in 2021 with the official launch of the Adétikopé Industrial Platform (PIA) in June, a major infrastructure project featuring vegetable oil processing facilities. This development directly boosted production capabilities, coinciding with rising coconut prices that made local processing more economically attractive. The growth momentum continued through 2022, supported by sustained local production activities and artisanal operations heavily involving women in the sector.

The market expansion continued into 2023, reinforced by government reforms to the business climate that facilitated cross-border trade for agricultural products. Concurrently, the emergence of new market segments, such as natural and organic coconut oil products promoted by local companies, added dynamism. Ongoing investments in modernizing production infrastructure, including the SOPAL refinery, further solidified the industry's growth trajectory over the period.

Production coconut oil and fractions in Togo

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of coconut oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of coconut oil and fractions, 2017-2020

Togo's coconut oil and fractions production declined for the second year in a row. In 2019, production reached 1,336 tonnes, but by 2020 it had fallen to 1,315 tonnes, marking a 1.5% decrease. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 2.3%, with an average annual decline of 0.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1,362 tonnes, which saw a 1.2% increase from the previous year. However, the sharpest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 2.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Togo in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports coconut oil and fractions from Togo

Exports in kind, t

The export market for coconut oil and fractions from Togo showed significant volatility during this period. In 2019, exports peaked at 214.1 tonnes, but by 2020 they had plummeted to just 1.4 tonnes, representing a dramatic 99.3% drop from the previous year. This created a peak-to-trough ratio of 149 times between the highest and lowest points. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, when exports surged by 132.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Niger remained the primary destination for Togo's coconut oil and fractions exports, accounting for 77.1% of total shipments. The remaining exports were distributed across various other markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Togo's coconut oil and fractions exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value totaled $4,900, reflecting a steep 93.8% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 98.2%, with an average annual decline of 74.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and Niger together accounted for 90.1% of the total export value of coconut oil and fractions from Togo. The remaining value was spread across smaller markets.

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

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

Imports coconut oil and fractions to Togo

Imports in kind, t

Togo's imports of coconut oil and fractions decreased in 2020, reaching 141.4 tonnes, which was a 29.8% drop from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 61.4%, with an average annual decline of 27.2%. The largest decrease occurred in 2018, when imports dropped by 48.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a 7.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Malaysia and Burkina Faso were the leading sources of coconut oil and fractions imports into Togo, together making up 84.7% of total import volume. The rest was sourced from a diverse range of other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Togo's imports of coconut oil and fractions declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value was approximately $140,600, showing a moderate 3.6% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 62.8%, with an average annual decline of 28.1%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Malaysia were the main sources of coconut oil and fractions imports into Togo in value terms. Burkina Faso accounted for 42.5% of imports, Ghana for 30.7%, and Malaysia for 25.7%, together representing 98.9% of total import value.

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

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