Prepared or preserved groundnuts market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018-2019, the market volume for prepared or preserved groundnuts in Africa remained stable at around 58 000 tons, supported by strong production in Nigeria, the continent's largest producer. However, storage challenges and aflatoxin contamination issues noted in 2019 led to a significant drop in production and market volume to 36 132 tons in 2020.

The market began recovering in 2021, reaching 37 691 tons, fueled by rising groundnut output and increasing industrial demand for groundnut oil and snacks. In 2022, market volume grew to 53 664 tons as groundnut farming remained lucrative due to demand and inflation pressures, while government policies supporting drought-tolerant crops and the emergence of new segments like groundnut spreads stimulated consumption.

In 2023, market volume slightly declined to 51 103 tons, despite positive trends such as the entry of new players in processing and a shift in consumer preferences towards healthier, unsalted, and dry-roasted groundnut products.

Production prepared or preserved groundnuts in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of prepared or preserved groundnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of prepared or preserved groundnuts, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, Africa's production of prepared or preserved groundnuts declined. In 2019, production reached its peak at 36 323 tonnes, but then fell sharply to 22 197 tonnes in 2020, marking a 38.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 28.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 10.4%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 15.1%.

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

Exports prepared or preserved groundnuts from Africa

Exports in kind, t

Africa's exports of prepared or preserved groundnuts have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 15 012 tonnes, showing a modest year-over-year growth of 8.3%. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 180.1%, averaging an annual increase of 41.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Africa's exports of prepared or preserved groundnuts were widely distributed across various partner countries. Indonesia accounted for 14.8% of exports, the United Arab Emirates for 3.9%, and Vietnam for 3.0%. Together, these three countries represented only 21.7% of total export volumes, indicating a highly diversified trade pattern.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Africa's export value of prepared or preserved groundnuts has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 35 766 thousand US dollars, up by 6.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 39%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical distribution of Africa's export value for prepared or preserved groundnuts was highly diversified. The United Arab Emirates contributed 10.0% of exports, the United States 8.1%, and Indonesia 5.3%. Combined, these three countries made up just 23.5% of total export value, while the remaining 76.5% was spread across numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports prepared or preserved groundnuts to Africa

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Africa's imports of prepared or preserved groundnuts declined. In 2019, imports peaked at 36 025 tonnes, but then dropped to 28 948 tonnes in 2020, a decrease of 19.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports overall increased by 13.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.2%. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2018, at 26.3%.

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

During 2017-2020, three key markets dominated Africa's imports of prepared or preserved groundnuts in volume terms. Argentina, China, and India together accounted for 73.6% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of increase, Africa's import value of prepared or preserved groundnuts declined. In 2019, imports reached their highest point at 69 596 thousand US dollars, but then fell to 66 897 thousand US dollars in 2020, a moderate drop of 3.9%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 38.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 11.3%. The most substantial year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, at 40.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina, China, and India led Africa's import structure in value terms for prepared or preserved groundnuts. Argentina accounted for 25.4% of imports, China for 24.0%, and India for 18.8%. Together, these three countries represented 68.2% of total import value.

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

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