Flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers in Sub-Saharan Africa entered a phase of strong growth starting in 2018. That year, the Kenyan government's launch of its 'Big 4' plan included a specific strategy to diversify and blend traditional flours with alternatives like sorghum, millet, cassava, and sweet potatoes. This policy initiative, aimed at enhancing food security and nutrition, provided a direct impetus for increased production and consumption of flours derived from roots and tubers.

This growth trajectory accelerated remarkably in 2020, with market volume surging by over 38% to nearly 6.8 million tons. The expansion continued through 2023, with annual increases adding roughly 1 to 1.2 million tons to the market each year. By the end of the period, the total market volume had reached 8.3 million tons, representing an increase of nearly 90% compared to 2018 levels, underscoring a significant and sustained expansion of the sector.

Production flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers, 2017-2020

World map of production of flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers, 2017-2020

Sub-Saharan Africa's production of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 6 811 thousand tons, marking a significant 38.1% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 61.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 17.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers produced in Sub-Saharan Africa has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 7 716 million US dollars, showing a sharp rise of 43.5% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 57.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 409 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 9.8%.

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

Exports flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers from Sub-Saharan Africa have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 14 409 tons, representing a dramatic 53.5% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 231.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 49.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers from Sub-Saharan Africa were not heavily concentrated. The United States accounted for 4.7% of exports in kind, France for 3.7%, and the United Kingdom for 2.9%, with these three countries together capturing just 11.3% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers from Sub-Saharan Africa have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 16 323 thousand US dollars, indicating a steep rise of 59.5% over the past year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 225%, with a compound annual growth rate of 48.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of exports in value terms remained scattered. The United States accounted for 13.3% of exports in value terms, Italy for 11.9%, and France for 7.7%, with these three partners together making up just 32.9% of total flows, and no single country emerged as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers into Sub-Saharan Africa have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 1 047 tons, reflecting a gradual fall of 4.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 89.9%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 53.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey accounted for 19.2% of imports in kind, Portugal for 0.9%, and the United States for 0.7%, with these three countries together comprising 20.9% of total flows, representing the largest share of imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers imported into Sub-Saharan Africa has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 706 thousand US dollars, down by 27.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 62.7%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 28.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 4 816 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 5.2%. In 2019, imports experienced the largest decline of 50.9%.

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

An analysis of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 shows a broad distribution across many markets. Turkey accounted for 28.9% of imports in value terms, Portugal for 5.7%, and the United States for 2.8%, with these three countries together making up only 37.5% of total flows, while a significant 62.5% fell on other partners.

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

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