Prepared or preserved groundnuts market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for prepared or preserved groundnuts in Sub-Saharan Africa held steady at around 43.4 thousand tonnes in 2018 and 43.9 thousand tonnes in 2019. This stability was underpinned by rising production, supported by government schemes like Ghana's 'Planting for Food and Jobs' program and the rollout of improved groundnut varieties by agricultural research institutes. However, a substantial increase in exports absorbed much of the additional output, limiting net market growth. In 2020, the market contracted sharply to 29.6 thousand tonnes, as production faced significant headwinds from climate challenges, disease pressures, and post-harvest losses across the region.

Market recovery commenced in 2021, with volume rising to 34.9 thousand tonnes alongside growing regional processing activity, including the launch of new peanut oil brands by local players. A dramatic expansion followed in 2022, driving the market to a peak of 51.4 thousand tonnes. This surge was primarily driven by the SARINUT 2 project in Ghana, which reinvigorated cultivation through high-yield varieties and farmer training, boosting production. A concurrent, steep decline in exports further amplified domestic availability. In 2023, the market volume receded to 43.5 thousand tonnes amid a drop in production.

Production prepared or preserved groundnuts in Sub-Saharan 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, Sub-Saharan Africa's production of prepared or preserved groundnuts declined. In 2020, the region produced 22 197 tonnes, marking a 38.9% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 28.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 10.4%. The peak was reached in 2019 with 36 323 tonnes, and that year also saw the largest increase of 15.1%.

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

Exports prepared or preserved groundnuts from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

Exports of prepared or preserved groundnuts from Sub-Saharan Africa have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 14 743 tonnes, up 10.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 216.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 46.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of prepared or preserved groundnuts from Sub-Saharan Africa. Indonesia accounted for 15.3% of exports in kind, the UAE for 3.9%, and Vietnam for 3.1%. Together, their share reached 22.3% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Exports of prepared or preserved groundnuts from Sub-Saharan Africa have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 35 108 thousand US dollars worth of these products, an 8.9% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 48.4%, averaging an annual increase of 14.1%.

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

The market for exports in value terms was diverse from 2017 to 2020. The United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Indonesia were key players but not overwhelmingly so: the UAE accounted for 10.4% of exports in value terms, the US for 8.5%, and Indonesia for 5.6%. Combined, they made up 24.4% of total flows, with the remaining 75.6% distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Imports prepared or preserved groundnuts to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

Imports of prepared or preserved groundnuts into Sub-Saharan Africa have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 17 100 tonnes, showing a gradual increase of 5.5% over the past year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 11.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%. The lowest point was in 2018 at 17 100 tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 13.7%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the largest increase of 22.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina, India, and China were the primary sources for imports in kind of prepared or preserved groundnuts into Sub-Saharan Africa. Argentina contributed 35.9% of imports in kind, India 25.0%, and China 5.5%. Together, they accounted for 66.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of prepared or preserved groundnuts into Sub-Saharan Africa have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 52 193 thousand US dollars, a strong rise of 15.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 39.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Argentina, India, and China were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of imports in value terms for prepared or preserved groundnuts into Sub-Saharan Africa. Argentina accounted for 34.2% of imports in value terms, India for 23.0%, and China for 3.2%. Their combined share was 60.4% of total flows.

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

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