Fonio market in Côte d'Ivoire

Earlier Report Observations

Fonio production in Côte d'Ivoire began the period at 22 749 tons in 2018, supported by a dynamic agri-food sector with diversified supply chains and an industrial orientation toward local processing of staple crops. The market then contracted in 2019 before showing modest growth in 2020, a year when strong domestic consumption of food staples—evident in similar products like yams—helped maintain demand.

After reaching 20 795 tons in 2021 and dipping again in 2022, production recovered to 20 515 tons in 2023. That year, the Ivorian government imposed a temporary export ban on fonio and other food products to ensure regular national supply and combat high living costs, directly influencing local availability and market dynamics.

Production fonio in Côte d'Ivoire

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Côte d'Ivoire ranked as the world's fourth-largest producer of fonio.

Top producers of fonio, 2017-2020

World map of production of fonio, 2017-2020

In 2020, Côte d'Ivoire produced 18 634 tonnes of fonio, representing a slight increase of 1.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 8.7%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 3.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 18 427 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 with 22 749 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, falling by 19.0%, whereas the largest rise was in 2018, increasing by 11.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports fonio from Côte d'Ivoire

Exports in kind, kg

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 5.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Côte d'Ivoire exported 20 009 kg of fonio, which was 29.0% higher than the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 23 266 kg. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 33.3%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, surging by 477.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Senegal, and Congo were the main markets for Côte d'Ivoire's fonio exports in kind. The United States accounted for 58.9% of exports, Senegal for 10.2%, and Congo for 10.0%. Together, these three countries represented 79.1% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend over the timeframe. The lowest export value was in 2017, and the highest was in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.2 times. In 2020, Côte d'Ivoire's fonio export value amounted to 7 057 US dollars, marking a controlled gain of 8.8% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 9 470 US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 31.5%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, rising by 220.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020, $ US

During 2017–2020, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom were the principal buyers of fonio from Côte d'Ivoire in value terms. The United States accounted for 42.6% of exports, Canada for 18.7%, and the United Kingdom for 8.8%. Collectively, these three countries made up 70.2% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020

Imports fonio to Côte d'Ivoire

Imports in kind, kg

In 2020, Côte d'Ivoire's fonio import volume stood at 209 kg, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, imports decreased by 87.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -49.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, France dominated Côte d'Ivoire's fonio imports in kind, accounting for 88.8% of total imports. The remaining flows were distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

In 2020, Côte d'Ivoire's fonio import value reached 205 US dollars, showing only a marginal fluctuation compared to 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, imports decreased by 97.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -71.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, France played a dominant role in Côte d'Ivoire's fonio imports in value terms, consistently accounting for 97.6% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020