Dried shelled lentils market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the African market for dried shelled lentils expanded significantly, with volume rising from 517 thousand tons to 790 thousand tons. This growth was largely driven by a sharp increase in imports, which reached 635 thousand tons in 2020, compensating for a decline in domestic production caused by unfavorable weather conditions that affected crop quality and yields. In the preceding years, the expansion of cultivation areas and the promotion of improved agricultural practices, particularly in West Africa, had supported a gradual rise in local output.

After peaking in 2020, market volume contracted to 589 thousand tons in 2021 as imports fell and exports rose sharply. It then recovered to 716 thousand tons in 2022 and stabilized around 708 thousand tons in 2023. During this period, production saw a gradual recovery, supported by growing global demand for lentils and enhanced agronomic research initiatives in Africa aimed at strengthening local production and reducing import dependency, though increased export volumes in 2021 and 2023 tempered net market growth.

Production dried shelled lentils in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled lentils, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled lentils, 2017-2020

In 2020, Africa produced 159.9 thousand tonnes of dried shelled lentils, marking a 31.6% decline from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 33.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.7%. The only year of growth during this timeframe was 2019, when production increased by 4.5%.

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

Exports dried shelled lentils from Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The market displayed considerable volatility throughout the period. Export volumes fluctuated significantly, with a 4.5-fold difference between the low point in 2017 and the peak in 2019. In 2020, Africa's exports of dried shelled lentils reached 4.7 thousand tonnes, representing a sharp 71.3% contraction from 2019. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 16.3 thousand tonnes, while the largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2018 with a dramatic 206.7% growth.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Africa's exports of dried shelled lentils showed relatively low concentration. The top three destinations—Syria (29.6% of export volume), Lebanon (8.5%), and Jordan (3.4%)—together accounted for just 41.5% of total exports, indicating a diversified export structure.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market demonstrated notable volatility during the observed period. Export values reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Africa exported 8.5 million US dollars worth of dried shelled lentils, representing a substantial 22.7% decline from the previous year. The maximum export value was recorded in 2018 at 13.6 million US dollars, which also saw the largest year-over-year increase of 228.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Africa's export structure in value terms remained highly diversified. The top three markets—Syria (27.3% of export value), Lebanon (7.9%), and Jordan (3.7%)—together represented only 38.9% of total exports. The remaining 61.1% was distributed among numerous smaller markets, creating a long tail of diverse trading partners.

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

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

Imports dried shelled lentils to Africa

Imports in kind, K t

The import market showed significant volatility during the period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Africa imported 304.1 thousand tonnes of dried shelled lentils, representing a substantial 76.6% increase from the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 304.1 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest year-over-year decline of 4.3%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Africa's imports of dried shelled lentils were highly concentrated. Three suppliers dominated the market: Canada (48.5% of import volume), Turkey (21.9%), and the United Arab Emirates (10.2%). Together, these three countries accounted for 80.6% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The import market exhibited considerable volatility during the observed period. Import values reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Africa's imports of dried shelled lentils amounted to 414.1 million US dollars, representing a significant 91.0% increase from 2019. The minimum import value was recorded in 2019 at 216.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest year-over-year decline of 19.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Africa's import structure in value terms showed high concentration. Three major suppliers dominated the market: Canada (48.9% of import value), Turkey (22.7%), and the United Arab Emirates (9.5%). Together, these three countries accounted for 81.1% of total import value.

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

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