Fonio market in ECOWAS

Earlier Report Observations

The fonio market in West Africa saw its volume increase from 646 thousand tons in 2018 to 690 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was initiated by the grain's official approval for sale in Europe in late 2018, which opened new export opportunities and was reflected in rising export prices. Guinea's emergence as the dominant producer, accounting for 73% of the regional market by 2020, provided a solid base for output expansion.

Market volume stabilized around 660-665 thousand tons during 2021-2022. This period was characterized by increased investment in fonio production in Ghana, supporting export capacity, and a growing consumer recognition of its gluten-free and nutritional benefits, which bolstered demand. Concurrently, the development of new product lines in Europe, including the launch of fonio-based beer by international breweries, began to diversify usage and create novel market segments.

A significant surge to 690 thousand tons occurred in 2023. This was primarily driven by improved market conditions in Guinea, where Fairtrade programs helped end speculative practices by some processors, enhancing local access and stability. Alongside continued production growth in Ghana, the establishment of the first Fairtrade-certified supply chain for fonio beer further stimulated demand by adding a premium, ethically sourced product category.

Production fonio in ECOWAS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of fonio, 2017-2020

World map of production of fonio, 2017-2020

ECOWAS's fonio production rebounded after two years of decline. In 2019, production hit its lowest point at 635.2 thousand tonnes, but then increased by 4.1% year-over-year to reach 661.4 thousand tonnes in 2020. The largest annual decline occurred in 2018, when production fell by 3.0%.

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

Exports fonio from ECOWAS

Exports in kind, t

Fonio exports from ECOWAS showed significant volatility during this period. In 2018, exports reached their lowest level at 83.8 tonnes, but then surged by 213.0% to a peak of 262.2 tonnes in 2019. The following year, exports declined slightly by 0.9% to 259.9 tonnes in 2020. The gap between the peak in 2019 and the trough in 2018 was 3.1-fold, with the largest annual decline of 45.1% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, France, and the Netherlands were the top buyers of fonio from ECOWAS, accounting for 47.2%, 21.1%, and 11.4% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, these three markets represented 79.7% of total fonio exports from the region.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of fonio exports from ECOWAS experienced notable fluctuations. In 2018, export value was at its lowest at 138.4 thousand US dollars, but then jumped by 201.1% to reach a peak of 416.6 thousand US dollars in 2019. In 2020, export value fell sharply by 45.2% to 228.2 thousand US dollars. The difference between the 2019 peak and 2018 trough was threefold.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, France, and the Netherlands dominated the value of fonio exports from ECOWAS, with shares of 49.4%, 23.9%, and 15.3%, respectively. Combined, these three markets accounted for 88.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports fonio to ECOWAS

Imports in kind, t

Fonio imports into ECOWAS were highly volatile during these years. In 2018, imports peaked at 1.8 tonnes, representing a massive 1 245.9% increase from the previous year. However, by 2020, imports had plummeted by 89.9% year-over-year to reach their lowest point. The difference between the 2018 peak and 2020 trough was 22-fold.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France and Switzerland were the main sources of fonio imports into ECOWAS, together accounting for 43.4% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of fonio imports into ECOWAS showed dramatic swings. In 2017, import value was at its minimum, but then skyrocketed by 6 544.5% to reach a peak of 8.9 thousand US dollars in 2018. The following year, import value dropped sharply by 97.4%. In 2020, imports decreased by 11.1% year-over-year. The gap between the 2018 maximum and 2017 minimum was 66-fold.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, France and Switzerland were the primary sources for fonio imports by value into ECOWAS, with their combined share reaching 91.9% of total import value.

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

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