Milk and cream market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The West African milk and cream market volume grew from 5.4 million tons in 2018 to over 6 million tons by 2023. This expansion was initially supported by the European Union's Economic Partnership Agreement, which facilitated imports of milk powder into the region, adding to market supply. Concurrently, rapid urbanization and population growth boosted overall consumption demand, even as local dairy sectors faced pressure from competitively priced imported powder.

Local milk production continued its upward trend throughout the period, though its growth was moderated by persistent challenges in the supply chain. Only about 20% of dairies sourced raw milk locally due to factors like self-consumption, dispersed herds, and inadequate transport infrastructure. Imports of milk powder, particularly the skimmed milk powder with added vegetable fats, remained a significant market component, though purchases became more price-sensitive over time.

By 2023-2024, fundamental demand drivers remained strong, fueled by demographic increases and rising incomes. The market also began to see shifts, such as the emergence of plant-based dairy alternatives and heightened consumer scrutiny over product quality, exemplified by concerns raised about certain imported concentrated milk brands. These developments indicated an evolving consumer landscape within the growing market.

Production milk and cream in Western Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of milk and cream, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk and cream, 2017-2020

Milk and cream production in Western Africa has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 5 522 thousand tonnes, marking a 1.7% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 6.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.2%.

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

Exports milk and cream from Western Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes of milk and cream from Western Africa showed significant volatility during the observed period. The lowest point was in 2018, with 0.5 thousand tonnes, while exports peaked in 2019 at 4.1 thousand tonnes—a 7.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, cross-border shipments dropped sharply to 0.8 thousand tonnes, representing an 81.5% decline compared to 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a surge of 681.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Slovakia were consistently the top three markets for exports in kind, collectively accounting for 30.9% of total 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

After rising for two years, exports of milk and cream from Western Africa in value terms declined in 2020. That year, exports totaled 1 769 thousand US dollars, a 37.3% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 21.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 824 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 68.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Namibia, and Malaysia were notable buyers of milk and cream from Western Africa in value terms, with shares of 9.4%, 1.7%, and 1.6%, respectively. However, their combined share reached only 12.7% of total exports, while the remaining 87.3% was distributed among numerous other partners.

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 milk and cream to Western Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, imports of milk and cream into Western Africa in kind declined in 2020. That year, imports amounted to 105.8 thousand tonnes, an 8.8% decrease year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 8.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.9%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 116.1 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 19.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, imports in kind of milk and cream to Western Africa were spread across many markets. Germany, France, and Egypt were the leading sources, with shares of 21.4%, 13.9%, and 10.1%, respectively, but together they accounted for only 45.4% of total flows.

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

Imports of milk and cream into Western Africa in value terms grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 61 484 thousand US dollars, up 2.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 7.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 53 321 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 6.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 12.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Portugal emerged as the primary markets for imports in value terms, with shares of 26.3%, 18.8%, and 11.9%, respectively. Together, they represented 56.9% of total flows.

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

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