Maize market in Senegal

Earlier Report Observations

Senegal's maize market volume expanded from 864.4 thousand tons in 2018 to over 1.08 million tons in 2020. This significant growth was primarily driven by state policies aimed at boosting local production. In 2018, the Ministry of Agriculture implemented a national seed subsidy policy for cereals, including maize, setting a fixed price for hybrid maize seeds to support farmers. This was followed in 2020 by the 'Sell before Producing' program under the Emerging Senegal Plan, which incentivized industrial processors to purchase local maize by introducing strict hygiene specifications, thereby directly stimulating production and market volume.

Market growth continued from 2021 to 2023, with volume reaching nearly 1.29 million tons. The increase was supported by essential cross-border supply flows from neighboring countries, as highlighted by the maize inter-professional association, which ensured consistent availability. Further production gains were achieved through substantial subsidy programs, such as the 120 billion FCFA allocation for the 2022 agricultural campaign targeting hybrid seeds and fertilizers. The period also saw the emergence of new convenient maize-based products like instant couscous and enriched flours, broadening consumer demand. Favorable rainfall conditions and improved access to subsidized fertilizers in 2023 contributed to a notable 16% increase in overall cereal output, including maize.

Entering 2024, market mechanisms were strengthened through the formalization of B-to-B contracting frameworks between producers and industrial users, alongside the establishment of new regional production clusters. Price stability remained a focus, with authorities administering a retail price ceiling of 315 FCFA per kilogram to maintain affordability. These measures, coupled with ongoing budget increases for agricultural campaigns and involvement of private investors in financing local production, aimed to consolidate the market's expansion and reduce long-term import dependency.

Production maize in Senegal

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

Senegal's maize production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 761.9 K t of maize, representing a significant gain of 43.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 85.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.9%.

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

Exports maize from Senegal

Exports in kind, K t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2020, showing a 23-fold fluctuation. In 2020, maize exports from Senegal amounted to 0.1 K t, reflecting a steep fall of 81.1% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 2.3 K t, with the largest increase that year reaching 991.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guinea and Gambia remained the main buyers of maize from Senegal, together accounting for 93.5% of total exports in kind. The remainder was fragmented across other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export values climbed to their maximum in 2018 and dropped to a minimum in 2017, representing an 8.2-fold shift. In 2020, maize exports from Senegal reached 338 K $ US, indicating a sharp gain of 89.8% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 656 K $ US, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 72.9% and the largest increase in 2018 at 720.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets—Guinea, France, and Gambia—remained central to exports in value terms, together taking 94.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports maize to Senegal

Imports in kind, K t

Senegal's maize imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 323.4 K t, amounting to a modest fall of 9.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 11.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 381.1 K t, with the largest increase that year reaching 31.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina was the primary source for imports in kind, accounting for 83.5% of total flows, while other markets formed a long tail of smaller partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, imported maize volumes in Senegal were recorded at 72 966 K $ US, amounting to a slight improvement of 0.7% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 23.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 82 718 K $ US, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 12.4% and the largest increase in 2018 at 40.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina was the principal market for maize imports to Senegal, accounting for 83.6% of total imports in value terms, while other destinations formed a less significant tail.

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

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