The 2023 figures for rice imports across Africa reveal a significant disparity in import volumes among countries, with Cote D’Ivoire emerging as the continent’s largest importer. According to data from Trade Map, the top 10 African rice importers collectively represent billions of dollars in imports, highlighting the growing demand for the staple crop in the region.
Top 10 African Rice Importers in 2023:
1. Cote D’Ivoire – $722.1 million
2. Benin – $653.4 million
3. South Africa – $634.7 million
4. Senegal – $498.0 million
5. Kenya – $392.4 million
6. Mozambique – $349.5 million
7. Guinea – $335.8 million
8. Niger – $307.0 million
9. Ghana – $286.3 million
10. Djibouti – $273.6 million
Cote D’Ivoire leads with an import value of $722.1 million, closely followed by Benin and South Africa, whose imports were valued at $653.4 million and $634.7 million, respectively. These figures underscore the critical role rice plays in these economies as a dietary staple and its contribution to food security.
Nigeria: A Notable Outlier
Interestingly, Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, recorded rice imports worth only $191,000, a stark contrast to its West African counterparts. This reflects the country’s policy focus on boosting local rice production through initiatives aimed at achieving self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imports.
The report, released by Statisense, offers insights into Africa’s evolving agricultural landscape and the economic significance of rice trade across the continent.
