Soybean oilcake market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The soybean oilcake market in Eastern Africa saw significant growth in 2019, with volume jumping to 516 thousand tons from 336 thousand tons a year earlier, before moderating to 489 thousand tons in 2020.

Market volume edged up to 513 thousand tons in 2021 despite regional raw material shortages that increased costs for soy and oilcakes. A major expansion followed in 2022, with consumption surging to 730 thousand tons, supported by higher domestic production and imports.

Volume contracted to 504 thousand tons in 2023, pressured by food price shocks and inflation that reduced demand. Developments in 2024 included Kenya's Edible Oil Crops Promotion Project and a new processing plant proposal, both aimed at expanding local soybean crushing capacity.

Production soybean oilcake in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of soybean oilcake, 2017-2020

World map of production of soybean oilcake, 2017-2020

Eastern Africa's soybean oilcake production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 377.0 thousand tonnes, which represents a significant 53.3% increase from the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 50.9%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 14.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 226.2 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 9.5% during this timeframe.

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

Exports soybean oilcake from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for soybean oilcake from Eastern Africa experienced notable volatility during the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 27.0 thousand tonnes, which marked the largest decline of 78.1%. However, in 2020, exports rebounded sharply to 122.7 thousand tonnes, showing a dramatic increase of 355.1% compared to 2019. The peak occurred in 2017, resulting in a sixfold swing between the high and low points over these years.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana were the key partners for Eastern Africa's soybean oilcake exports in volume terms. South Africa accounted for 18.0% of exports, Namibia for 5.4%, and Botswana for 0.5%. Together, these three countries represented 23.9% of the total export flows during this period.

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

In 2020, Eastern Africa's soybean oilcake exports in value terms reached 77.8 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp increase of 26.9% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 21.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 61.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 38.6%. In contrast, the highest value occurred in 2018 at 99.8 million US dollars, marking the largest increase of 56.3% during these years.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South Africa and Namibia consistently served as the primary markets for Eastern Africa's soybean oilcake exports in value terms. Together, they accounted for 21.0% of the total export flows throughout this period.

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 soybean oilcake to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, soybean oilcake imports into Eastern Africa declined. In 2020, imports stood at 234.6 thousand tonnes, showing a solid drop of 21.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 25.1%, which equates to an annualized growth rate of 7.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 297.3 thousand tonnes, which also experienced the largest increase of 27.7% during this timeframe.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of soybean oilcake imports into Eastern Africa in volume terms was highly diversified. Argentina accounted for 18.4% of imports, India for 17.6%, and South Africa for 8.7%. Combined, these three countries represented only 44.7% of total import flows, with the remaining 55.3% distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

Following two years of gains, soybean oilcake imports into Eastern Africa in value terms declined. In 2020, imports totaled 102.3 million US dollars, which is 18.2% lower than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 12.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 125.0 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 17.8% during these years.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, imports of soybean oilcake into Eastern Africa in value terms relied on a wide range of partner countries. India accounted for 17.9% of imports, Argentina for 15.2%, and South Africa for 10.4%. Together, these three countries represented just 43.5% of total import flows, highlighting the diversity of sourcing during this period.

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

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