Maize demand in Africa stood at 95.79 million metric tons in 2023. Over the past decade, maize demand has experienced fluctuations with notable growth periods, such as a 5.46% increase in 2015 and a 4.76% increase in 2017. Conversely, there was a decline of 3.15% in 2018. The year-on-year growth rates have been modest recently, with a 0.63% increase in 2023. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last five years stands at 0.83%, indicating overall stability in demand.
Looking forward, the demand for maize in Africa is forecasted to grow, reaching 98.63 million metric tons by 2028. However, the forecasted five-year CAGR of 0.46% suggests a slower growth rate compared to the past five years.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Increased emphasis on sustainable agriculture practices that could influence maize production and supply chain dynamics.
- Potential impact of climate change on maize yields, requiring adaptive strategies to ensure food security.
- Technological advancements in crop management and yield improvement, which could enhance production efficiency.
- Economic diversification efforts in African countries that may affect agricultural investments and priorities.
- Policy and trade developments that could either foster or constrain maize trade within the continent.
