Sorghum market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Sorghum production in Eastern Africa increased from 7.8 million tonnes in 2018 to 8.4 million tonnes in 2020. This growth was supported by the anticipated implementation of a government flour blending policy, which was expected to raise demand for sorghum grain. Simultaneously, the brewing industry, led by East African Breweries Limited (EABL), became a major buyer, providing a stable market for farmers. The adoption of new drought-tolerant hybrid varieties and improved farming technologies further boosted yields.

Production declined to 7.5 million tonnes in 2021 and 6.6 million tonnes in 2022. Significant crop losses from pests, particularly Quelea birds, combined with ongoing abiotic constraints like drought and socio-economic challenges among farmers, curtailed output. Although efforts to expand the value chain and private investments in seed development continued, the flour blending policy had not yet been fully actualized to offset these losses.

The market recovered to 6.9 million tonnes in 2023. A memorandum of understanding between Murang’a County Government and EABL guaranteed market access and production support for sorghum farmers. This agreement, alongside the increased adoption of resilient varieties such as Gadam and Seredo, helped lift production volumes.

Production sorghum in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sorghum, 2017-2020

World map of production of sorghum, 2017-2020

Sorghum production in Eastern Africa has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 8 373 thousand tons of sorghum, marking a 5.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 11.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Eastern Africa's sorghum production has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 2 830 million US dollars, representing a 10.5% increase from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 20.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.3%.

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

Exports sorghum from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 79.1 thousand tons, then peaked in 2019 at 143.9 thousand tons, showing a 1.8-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, exported sorghum volumes from Eastern Africa totaled 130.0 thousand tons, reflecting a modest decline of 9.7% compared to 2019. The largest decrease occurred in 2018, with a drop of 39.6%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a rise of 82.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa was the primary market for sorghum exports in kind from Eastern Africa, accounting for 0.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The data shows irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 25.6 million US dollars, then reached their highest level in 2019 at 46.3 million US dollars, reflecting a 1.8-fold gap. In 2020, sorghum shipments from Eastern Africa to abroad amounted to 43.9 million US dollars, showing a decrease of 5.1% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, with a drop of 37.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 80.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern 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 Eastern Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports sorghum to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Sorghum imports into Eastern Africa have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 262.3 thousand tons of sorghum, down by 22.5% from a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 55.3%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 23.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (with 42.8% of imports in kind), Sudan (23.6%), and Italy (10.5%) led the structure of sorghum imports in kind, together representing 76.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Sorghum imports into Eastern Africa have fallen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the import volume reached 131.7 million US dollars, showing a slight decline of 5.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 41%, which corresponds to an annualized decline rate of 16.1%.

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

Throughout the period from 2017 to 2020, the United States (with 47.7% of imports in value terms), Italy (18.9%), and Sudan (16.5%) formed the core group of markets for sorghum imports in value terms, together accounting for 83.1% of total import flows.

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

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