Ginger market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Ginger production in West Africa showed consistent growth from 708.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 824.7 thousand tons in 2023. The market volume followed a similar upward path, reaching 739.1 thousand tons in 2023, though it saw a temporary dip in 2022. Over the same period, exports surged from 2.9 thousand tons to 86.5 thousand tons, reflecting increasing international shipments.

In 2024, Nigeria—the region's dominant producer—reportedly doubled its ginger output for the 2024/2025 season compared to the previous year. The Nigerian government formed an executive committee for the National Ginger Association to organize and support the sector, while Togo implemented an investment action plan to develop local production and processing. These measures responded to strong global demand for certified and organic ginger, aiming to enhance the region's export potential and value addition.

The market is underpinned by substantial domestic demand, estimated at 50,000 tons annually in parts of the region, while most ginger is still exported in raw form due to limited local processing capacity. The coordinated institutional efforts signal a shift toward greater sector organization and infrastructure development to capture more value from growing international interest.

Production ginger in Western Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of ginger, 2017-2020

World map of production of ginger, 2017-2020

After a two-year decline, Western Africa's ginger production volume increased. In 2020, the region produced 723.2 thousand tonnes of ginger, which is 2.9% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 16.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.8%. The lowest production was recorded in 2019 at 703.1 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with an 18.2% drop.

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

Exports ginger from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. From 2017 to 2020, exports showed significant fluctuations, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 13.3 times. In 2020, Western Africa exported 8,242 tonnes of ginger, reflecting a dramatic increase of 193.7% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 3.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 371.0% surge.

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

From 2017 to 2020, ginger exports from Western Africa were distributed across various markets. India accounted for 16.9% of exports in kind, the United Arab Emirates for 9.0%, and Germany for 4.5%. Together, these three countries represented only 30.5% of total export flows, indicating a broad spread without a dominant market.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Export volumes reached their minimum in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 13.2 times. In 2020, Western Africa's ginger exports reached 12,387 thousand US dollars, showing a steep gain of 317.6% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 13.8%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, ginger exports from Western Africa in value terms were spread relatively evenly. India contributed 21.2% of exports in value, the United Arab Emirates 14.1%, and Germany 12.4%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 47.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports ginger to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, changing by a factor of 12.1. In 2020, the volume of ginger imports into Western Africa totalled 568 tonnes, down by 74.3% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2,207 tonnes, with the largest increase also in 2019 at 276.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in kind of ginger into Western Africa were scattered across countries. China accounted for 26.1% of imports in kind, India for 2.1%, and the United Kingdom for 1.1%. Together, these three partners represented just 29.3% of total import flows, with no single country emerging as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Import volumes dropped to their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 6.1 times. In 2020, Western Africa imported a total of 1,052 thousand US dollars of ginger, marking an abrupt decline of 55.9% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2,386 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase also in 2019 at 354.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for ginger imports into Western Africa in value terms were China, India, and the United Kingdom. Together, they accounted for 67.6% of total import flows, indicating a more concentrated structure compared to exports.

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

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