Maize market in Togo

Earlier Report Observations

The maize market in Togo began the period with the implementation of a new ambitious agricultural policy under the government's PND 2018-2022, aimed at accelerating growth and modernization. This policy supported an increase in production to 912 thousand tonnes in 2019. However, in 2020, the mandatory security marking system (OTR) came into force on September 1, targeting counterfeit products and improving traceability, which temporarily affected production, causing a dip to 885 thousand tonnes.

Production rebounded in 2021 following the launch of the agricultural campaign that disseminated improved technical production itineraries for maize, promoting better yields and raising output to 929 thousand tonnes. The subsequent year saw a sharp rise in maize prices at retail markets, with the price per bowl increasing from 800 to 1 000 FCFA, incentivizing further production growth to 957 thousand tonnes in 2022, supported by a reported surplus of 159 104 tonnes from the agricultural season.

In 2023, the introduction of a weekly bio-product market in Lomé, featuring maize-based items, fostered local consumption and contributed to production reaching 1 013 thousand tonnes. Overall, the market volume expanded from 888 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 1 016 thousand tonnes in 2023, reflecting the combined impact of policy measures, regulatory enhancements, and market initiatives.

Production maize in Togo

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

Togo's maize production experienced a decline in 2020, following two consecutive years of growth. In 2020, the country produced 885.0 K t of maize, representing a modest decrease of 3.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production increased by 3.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 912.1 K t, while the most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 3.7%.

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

Exports maize from Togo

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed considerable volatility throughout the observed period. Togo's maize exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 41 t, then surged to their peak in 2019 at 101 t, representing a 2.5-fold increase between these two years. In 2020, exports stood at 97 t, showing a slight decline of 4.4% compared to 2019. The most substantial decrease occurred in 2018 at 12.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 147.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Gabon, Nigeria, and Ghana were the primary destinations for Togo's maize exports in volume terms. Gabon accounted for 52.7% of exports, Nigeria for 17.5%, and Ghana for 14.3%. Together, these three countries represented 84.5% of Togo's total maize export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited significant volatility during the observed timeframe. Export values reached their lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2019, showing a 5.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, maize exports from Togo amounted to 18.1 K $ US, marking a decrease of 14.9% compared to 2019. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 21.2 K $ US, while the most substantial increase occurred that same year at 188.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Gabon, Nigeria, and Ghana were the key destinations for Togo's maize exports in value terms. Gabon accounted for 42.4% of export value, Nigeria for 23.6%, and Ghana for 14.5%. Collectively, these three markets represented 80.5% of Togo's total maize export value during this four-year period.

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

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

Imports maize to Togo

Imports in kind, t

The market demonstrated notable volatility over the observed period. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2020, with a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Togo imported 1 568 t of maize, representing a substantial increase of 79.2% compared to the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 6.3%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, South Africa, Argentina, and the United States were consistently the main sources of Togo's maize imports in volume terms. South Africa accounted for 48.4% of imports, Argentina for 16.3%, and the United States for 13.1%. Together, these three countries supplied 77.8% of Togo's total maize import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values reached their lowest point in 2019, then peaked in 2020, showing a 2.2-fold swing between these years. In 2020, Togo imported 458.0 K $ US worth of maize, representing a significant increase of 124.4% compared to 2019. The minimum import value was recorded in 2019 at 204.1 K $ US, while the most substantial decline occurred that same year at 20.2%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, South Africa, Argentina, and the United States consistently dominated Togo's maize imports in value terms. South Africa accounted for 52.9% of import value, Argentina for 14.9%, and the United States for 12.5%. Collectively, these three countries represented 80.2% of Togo's total maize import expenditure during this period.

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

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