Dried shelled bambara beans market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for dried shelled bambara beans in Eastern Africa saw substantial growth from 2018 to 2022, interrupted only by a temporary contraction in 2020. The initial expansion was fueled by changes in the regional agricultural landscape, where increased duties on corn oil and seeds made bambara bean cultivation more profitable for farmers. This shift was reinforced by Ugandan state institutions, such as the National Crop Resources Research Institute, releasing new, nutrient-rich seed varieties that accelerated planting. Furthermore, a government-led school breakfast program created a new, steady source of demand for beans, supporting overall consumption.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted cross-border transport and sample testing in 2020, temporarily hampering supply and contributing to that year's market dip. However, the same period saw significant capacity investment with the launch of a major bambara bean processing unit in Busia District, established by the public enterprise Bungoma Grain Processing Ltd. Subsequent growth in 2021 and 2022 was driven by focused investment under Tanzania's National Food Security Strategy to boost affordable bean production and the market entry of a new private player, East African Dried Beans Ltd., which commissioned a large-scale facility for roasting and long-term storage, significantly enhancing processing capacity.

After reaching a peak of over 51,000 t in 2022, production and total market volume moderated in 2023, settling at approximately 47,700 t and 44,700 t, respectively.

Production dried shelled bambara beans in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of dried shelled bambara beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled bambara beans, 2017-2020

After increasing for two consecutive years, dried shelled bambara bean production in Eastern Africa declined. In 2020, production reached 30 221 tonnes, marking a significant 15.4% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 24%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 35 734 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 31.6%.

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

Exports dried shelled bambara beans from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. Export volumes fluctuated significantly, with a 102-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the low in 2017. In 2020, Eastern Africa exported 514 tonnes of dried shelled bambara beans, representing a sharp 30.1% decline from the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 905 tonnes, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 10 066.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export partner structure for dried shelled bambara beans was balanced rather than concentrated. The United Arab Emirates (10.6% of exports), Vietnam (8.8% of exports), and South Africa (6.7% of exports) together accounted for 26.1% of total export flows, while numerous other countries represented the remaining 73.9%.

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

The market demonstrated volatility during the observed period. Export values showed a 201-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the trough in 2017. In 2020, dried shelled bambara bean exports from Eastern Africa totaled 379.8 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial 54.8% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 840.5 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 13 441.5%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United Arab Emirates (33.4% of export value), South Africa (16.3% of export value), and Turkey (4.0% of export value) formed the core group of markets for dried shelled bambara bean exports in value terms, collectively representing 53.8% of total export 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 dried shelled bambara beans to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Import volumes varied dramatically, with a 369-fold difference between the high in 2020 and the low in 2017. In 2020, Eastern Africa imported 96 tonnes of dried shelled bambara beans, corresponding to a remarkable 4 165.2% increase compared to the previous year. The largest annual decline was recorded in 2019 at 54.9%.

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

The market exhibited volatility throughout this period. Import values showed a 45-fold gap between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019. In 2020, dried shelled bambara bean imports to Eastern Africa reached 151.9 thousand US dollars, representing a dramatic 4 397.3% increase compared to 2019. The minimum import value was recorded in 2019 at 3.4 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 80.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand was the primary source for dried shelled bambara bean imports to Eastern Africa in value terms, accounting for 5.5% of total import 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