Honey market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The West African honey market volume grew from 6,631 t in 2018 to 16,439 t in 2022, primarily driven by a sharp increase in imports. Domestic production also expanded during this period, supported by the 2018 EU-Burkina Faso import agreement that opened European markets for Burkinabe honey and the formation of the APIASAHEL association in Burkina Faso in 2020 to strengthen beekeeping cooperatives and prepare for exports.

After reaching a peak in 2022, the market contracted to 13,205 t in 2023 as imports fell. This period also saw Guinean honey gain international recognition for its quality in markets like Europe, Morocco, and Japan, while Cameroon launched its first honey processing plant in Ngaoundal to regulate the local market and attract international partners. By 2024, further efforts to boost production included cooperative-led growth in Côte d'Ivoire and a skills-transfer partnership between the French city of Montreuil and several West African nations.

Production honey in Western Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of honey, 2017-2020

World map of production of honey, 2017-2020

Western Africa's honey production experienced a two-year growth period before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 7 781 tonnes. However, by 2020, it had fallen to 7 496 tonnes, representing a modest decrease of 3.7% compared to the previous year. Over the entire period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 13.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.4%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, when production surged by 17.9%.

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

Exports honey from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

Honey exports from Western Africa showed notable fluctuations during this period. In 2018, exports peaked at 455 tonnes, but then dropped sharply to a low of 79 tonnes in 2019, creating a 5.8-fold difference between these two years. By 2020, exports had recovered to 172 tonnes, marking a substantial increase of 118.8% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, when exports fell by 82.7%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018, with a remarkable growth of 455.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated Western Africa's honey exports in volume terms, accounting for 82.3% of total shipments. All other countries combined made up the remaining share.

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

The value of honey exports from Western Africa exhibited considerable volatility during this period. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2020, with the peak value being 2.9 times greater than the trough. In 2020, export revenues reached 461 thousand US dollars, representing a significant increase of 106.6% compared to 2019. The largest decline in export value was observed in 2019, when it fell by 23.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States was the primary buyer of Western African honey in value terms, accounting for 68.4% of total export revenues. Bangladesh followed with 6.8%, and France with 5.4%. Together, these three markets represented 80.6% of Western Africa's total honey export value during this period.

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 honey to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

Honey imports into Western Africa grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 2 123 tonnes, which represents a dramatic increase of 311.6% compared to the previous year. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 390.7%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 69.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates was the leading supplier of honey to Western Africa in volume terms, accounting for 27.3% of total imports. China followed with 18.0%, and France with 6.6%. Together, these three countries supplied 51.9% of Western Africa's honey imports during this period.

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 value of honey imports into Western Africa showed signs of volatility during the observed period. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 015 thousand US dollars, while the highest occurred in 2020 at 1 927 thousand US dollars, representing a 1.9-fold increase. In 2020, import value grew by 89.8% compared to the previous year. The largest decline in import value was observed in 2018, when it fell by 10.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the country composition of honey imports into Western Africa in value terms was quite dispersed. France was the largest source, accounting for 20.9% of import value, followed by Portugal with 13.4%, and the United Arab Emirates with 12.8%. Together, these three countries represented just 47.1% of total import value, with the remaining 52.9% spread across a wide range of other suppliers.

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

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