Millet market in ECOWAS

Earlier Report Observations

The millet market in ECOWAS began the period at 10.3 million tons in 2018. It dropped to 9.5 million tons in 2019 before recovering to 10.1 million tons in 2020. This recovery was supported by growing consumer awareness of millet's health benefits, particularly for diabetes and cardiovascular disease management, and by government policies in favor of climate-resilient crops.

The market sharply contracted to 7.9 million tons in 2021, a year that saw the entry of new players and startups into the sector, before rebounding to 10.1 million tons in 2022. The 2022 growth coincided with the launch of innovative millet-based products, increased investment in organic and sustainable production, and a shift in consumer preferences toward healthy, natural, and gluten-free foods.

In 2023, market volume decreased slightly to 9.5 million tons, continuing the pattern of year-to-year fluctuations.

Production millet in ECOWAS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of millet, 2017-2020

World map of production of millet, 2017-2020

In 2020, ECOWAS produced 10 110 thousand tons of millet, representing a 6.3% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 10 268 thousand tons. That same year saw the largest increase of 12.3%, while 2019 experienced the most significant decline of 7.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, millet production in ECOWAS declined in value terms. In 2020, the output was valued at 4 512 million US dollars, marking a 9.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 8.9%, averaging 2.9% growth per year. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 4 994 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 19.9% recorded in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in ECOWAS in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports millet from ECOWAS

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited considerable volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 1 017 tons, after hitting their maximum in 2017—a difference of 5.1 times between these two years. In 2020, millet shipments from ECOWAS to foreign markets stood at 1 353 tons, showing a dramatic contraction of 55.2% compared to the previous year. The largest decline of 80.2% occurred in 2018, while 2019 saw the most substantial increase of 197.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France accounted for 6.0% of millet exports in volume, Gabon for 4.1%, and Spain for 0.6%. Together, these three countries represented 10.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market demonstrated volatility throughout the observed period. Exports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 4.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, ECOWAS exported 604 thousand US dollars worth of millet, indicating a dramatic decline of 62.0% from the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 492 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 78.9%. The most significant increase of 222.8% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, millet exports from ECOWAS were distributed across numerous countries. Even the top three destinations—France, Spain, and Gabon—together represented only 14.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports millet to ECOWAS

Imports in kind, t

Millet imports into ECOWAS declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 1 042 tons, showing a sharp decrease of 63.6% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 79.5%, equating to an average annual decline of 41.0%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the United Kingdom and China remained the key sources for millet imports in volume terms, though their combined share represented just 1.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

ECOWAS experienced a third consecutive year of decline in millet import value. In 2020, imports totaled 1 128 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp fall of 37.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 58.5%, averaging a 25.4% annual decline.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, millet imports to ECOWAS in value terms were widely dispersed across partner countries. The United Kingdom accounted for 11.4% of import value, China for 4.4%, and France for 1.0%. Together, these three countries represented only 16.8% of total import flows.

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

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