Wheat and meslin market in Middle Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The wheat and meslin market in Middle Africa showed strong growth over the 2018-2023 period, with volume increasing from 1.6 million tons to 2.7 million tons. This expansion was not linear, however, as the market experienced a notable surge in 2019 to over 2 million tons, followed by a slight dip in 2020. A sharp rebound in 2021 brought volumes to a peak of 2.6 million tons.

Market volume contracted by 8% in 2022 to 2.4 million tons. This decline coincided with reported rising wheat prices in regional markets, which likely tempered import demand. Concurrent challenges in the agricultural supply chain, including a shortage of fertilizers, also constrained local production potential. During this period, the Cameroonian government approved a substantial five-year development plan for the wheat sector and provided subsidies aimed at boosting domestic output and processing, signaling a long-term commitment to reducing import dependence.

By 2023, the market recovered to 2.7 million tons. In 2024, the regional policy focus remained on achieving agricultural autonomy to improve the trade balance, indirectly supporting the wheat value chain through an emphasis on mechanization, irrigation, and improved inputs.

Production wheat and meslin in Middle Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of wheat and meslin, 2017-2020

World map of production of wheat and meslin, 2017-2020

Wheat and meslin production in Middle Africa has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, production reached 15 857 tonnes, marking a significant 10.4% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 12%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 18 429 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 2.3% also occurring that year.

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

Exports wheat and meslin from Middle Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed notable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 and then surged to a peak in 2020, representing a dramatic 4 285-fold increase. In 2020, cross-border shipments of wheat and meslin from Middle Africa totaled 17 000 tonnes, which is an extraordinary 428 409.5% higher than in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Middle 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 Middle Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility over these years. Exports hit their lowest value in 2019 and then rose to a high in 2020, with a 46-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, wheat and meslin exports from Middle Africa were valued at 4.6 million US dollars, which is 4 508.2% greater than the 2019 figure.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Namibia clearly led the country structure of exports in value terms, accounting for 1.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports wheat and meslin to Middle Africa

Imports in kind, K t

After increasing for two years, Middle Africa's wheat and meslin import volume declined. In 2020, imports were recorded at 2 037 000 tonnes, representing a slight decrease of 1.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 52.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.1%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 2 064 000 tonnes, and the largest year-on-year increase of 27.6% also occurred in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, France, and Canada were the key partners for imports in kind. Russia accounted for 45.0% of imports, France for 32.1%, and Canada for 7.9%. Together, these three countries represented 85.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year increase, Middle Africa's wheat and meslin imports declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 612.3 million US dollars, showing a 1.4% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 75.7%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 20.7%. The peak import value was recorded in 2019 at 621.3 million US dollars, with the largest year-on-year increase of 36.7% occurring in 2018.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Russia, France, and Canada formed the core group of markets for imports in value terms. Russia's share was 42.9%, France's was 32.4%, and Canada's was 8.5%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 83.8% of total import flows.

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

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