Maize flour and cereals market in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Earlier Report Observations

The maize flour and cereals market in the Democratic Republic of the Congo saw considerable volume swings between 2018 and 2023. Market volume jumped to 1.85 million tons in 2020 as COVID-19 triggered panic buying and price speculation, prompting provincial authorities to sell subsidized flour to curb increases. After this spike, the market corrected to 1.70 million tons in 2021 despite ongoing government distribution efforts and a stable exchange rate that contained prices.

Government interventions recurred throughout the period. In 2019, Haut-Katanga province warned against profiteering amid local shortages. Later, subsidized sales and plans to expand milling capacity aimed at keeping flour affordable. A draft agriculture law presented in 2022 sought to close legislative gaps and support the corn value chain, coinciding with a modest market rebound to 1.74 million tons. Tighter sanitary controls, reflected in updated mine‑action regulations, also signaled a focus on supply‑chain safety.

Market structure began to shift with the arrival of new domestic players. The Grande Famille Tshopo foundation started local flour production in Kisangani in 2023, though initial volumes were small. The same year, rumors of Zambian supply cuts drove up prices in Haut‑Katanga, leading the province to consider strategic reserves. By 2024, eight imported flour brands were banned due to aflatoxin contamination, underscoring a push for quality, while the Tshopo province announced major investments to produce over 3 000 tons of flour by 2025.

Production maize flour and cereals in Democratic Republic of the Congo

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo ranked 21st globally in the production of maize flour and cereals.

Top producers of maize flour and cereals, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize flour and cereals, 2017-2020

After a two-year decline, maize flour and cereals production in the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased. In 2020, the country produced 1 800 K t of maize flour and cereals, marking an 11.1% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, production grew by 5.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 620 K t, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports maize flour and cereals from Democratic Republic of the Congo

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their peak in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, with an 8.2-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo exported 93 t of maize flour and cereals, representing a substantial increase of 244.6% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Uganda was the dominant partner in the export structure for maize flour and cereals in kind, accounting for 79.3% of total flows. Other markets held relatively modest shares during this period.

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

World map of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of maize flour and cereals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo totaled 54 K $ US, showing only a slight fluctuation compared to 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, exports decreased by 12.4%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 4.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Uganda and Angola were the primary destinations for exports in value terms, together accounting for 94.9% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

World map of product's exports from Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020

Imports maize flour and cereals to Democratic Republic of the Congo

Imports in kind, t

The volume of maize flour and cereals imports into the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 46 993 t, indicating a 46.0% uptick compared to the previous year. However, over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 25.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -9.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 24 291 t, which also saw the largest decline of 61.4% that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Brazil, South Africa, and Zambia—collectively accounted for 74.2% of total imports in kind of maize flour and cereals to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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

World map of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, the value of maize flour and cereals imports into the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 14 494 K $ US, reflecting a dramatic rise of 38.6% versus the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 56.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -24.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 10 459 K $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 65.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, South Africa (38.4% of imports in value terms), Brazil (17.6%), and Zambia (15.8%) were the principal sources for imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 71.8% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Democratic Republic of the Congo in value, 2017-2020