Semi-milled or wholly milled rice market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Sub-Saharan Africa grew substantially from 17.3 million tonnes in 2018 to 27.5 million tonnes in 2022. This expansion was fueled by a consistent increase in local production, which rose from 7.9 million to 12.1 million tonnes, supported by regional efforts like the second phase of the CARD initiative launched in 2019 to boost rice output and the Ricowas project from 2021 strengthening agricultural capacity. Imports remained high throughout this period, supplementing supply as domestic production could not keep pace with demand growing over 6% annually, driven by population growth, urbanization, and shifting consumer preferences.

In 2023, the market volume contracted to 23.4 million tonnes despite local production reaching a new high of 12.2 million tonnes. This decline was primarily due to a sharp reduction in imports, likely influenced by global disruptions such as the war in Ukraine and regional conflicts noted in sources, which constrained international trade flows. Concurrently, significant international investments, including $77 million from South Korea and $33.5 million from Japan directed to the rice sector, underscored ongoing commitments to enhance local production resilience and reduce import reliance over the long term.

Looking ahead, market developments in 2024 include the introduction of new improved rice varieties through alliances like AGGRi and the launch of fortified rice in Kenya, diversifying product offerings. These innovations, alongside continued FAO support for projects aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening the rice value chain, are set to improve productivity and sustainability across the region.

Production semi-milled or wholly milled rice in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

World map of production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice, 2017-2020

Sub-Saharan Africa's production of semi-milled or wholly milled rice grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 10 878 K t, marking a significant 34.5% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 55.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 15.9%.

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

Exports semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable pattern over the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 58 K t and peaked in 2020 at 136 K t, resulting in a 2.4-fold variation between these years. In 2020, exports increased by 10.5% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 43.7%, while the most substantial increase was in 2019, at 112.7%.

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

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, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of semi-milled or wholly milled rice from Sub-Saharan Africa expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 240 M $ US, reflecting a dramatic 65.0% rise from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 197.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43.8%.

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

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 semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, imports of semi-milled or wholly milled rice into Sub-Saharan Africa declined. In 2020, imports totaled 9 212 K t, down 3.4% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 16.8%, with a CAGR of 5.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 9 539 K t, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 19.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand, India, and Pakistan were the primary suppliers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Sub-Saharan Africa. Thailand accounted for 30.4% of imports in kind, India for 30.2%, and Pakistan for 10.3%. Together, these three countries made up 70.9% of total imports in kind.

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, M $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of semi-milled or wholly milled rice into Sub-Saharan Africa were valued at 4 501 M $ US, up 14.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 38.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 11.5%. The largest increase was in 2018, at 21.5%, while the largest decline was in 2019, at 0.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, Thailand, India, and Pakistan remained the main suppliers of semi-milled or wholly milled rice to Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms. Thailand held a 32.5% share of imports, India 27.7%, and Pakistan 10.4%. Collectively, they represented 70.6% of total import value.

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