Kola nuts market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, kola nut production in West Africa entered a phase of steady growth, supported by the official recognition of the sector in Côte d’Ivoire, which placed it under a regulatory and state-support framework similar to cocoa and coffee. Concurrently, the introduction of improved hybrid varieties of Cola nitida in Nigeria reduced the time to fruition, boosting farm profitability and encouraging expanded cultivation. These foundational developments helped increase overall output and set the stage for market expansion.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 unexpectedly bolstered demand for kola nuts as they were consumed locally as a stimulant and for perceived immune-boosting properties, particularly in Nigeria. This demand surge was sustained in the following years by growing international interest in bitter kola and the emergence of specialized processing companies adopting modern technologies, which added value to the product. By 2023, the market found additional growth drivers through increased valuation in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries, while the first international hybrid conference on kola plants in Nigeria in 2024 aimed to stimulate further investment and technological adoption in the sector.

Throughout the period, domestic consumption in countries like Burkina Faso was underpinned by broader economic growth and investments in distribution networks, despite occasional price fluctuations linked to transport fuel costs. The total market volume consequently rose from 259.6 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 267.8 thousand tonnes in 2023, reflecting the cumulative impact of regulatory support, productivity improvements, and diversified demand.

Production kola nuts in Western Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of kola nuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of kola nuts, 2017-2020

Western Africa's kola nuts production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production remained stable at 262.9 thousand tonnes, matching the 2019 level.

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

Exports kola nuts from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.1-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Western Africa exported 1 255 tonnes of kola nuts, which represents a 37.3% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 000 tonnes, marking a substantial 99.8% increase from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (2.3% of exports in kind), Chad (0.9%), and France (0.7%) were the key export partners, collectively accounting for 3.9% of total export flows.

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

In 2020, cross-border shipments of kola nuts from Western Africa totaled 3 073 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant year-on-year decline of 12.3%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 12.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 711 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 22.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 29.3%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, France (4.6% of exports in value terms), the United States (4.3%), and Chad (4.0%) together absorbed 12.9% of total kola nuts exports from Western Africa, making them the primary destinations.

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 kola nuts to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

Western Africa's kola nuts imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported a total of 1 255 tonnes of kola nuts, which is 19.9% higher than in 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports grew by 124 322%, with a compound annual growth rate of 975.6%.

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

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

Imported kola nuts volumes in Western Africa increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported approximately 4 372 thousand US dollars worth of kola nuts, showing a year-on-year rise of 25.9%. However, between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 28.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 795 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 54.4%.

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

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

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