Top 10 Maize Producers in Africa – 2023/2024 Marketing Year
- SOUTH AFRICA – 13.4 MILLION METRIC TONS
South Africa maintained its position as Africa’s top maize producer in 2023/2024, with an output of 13.4MMT from 3 million hectares. However, this marked a 20% drop from the previous year’s 17.1MMT due to a severe drought in late 2023. The country aims to recover to 17 MMT in the 2024/2025 season
2. NIGERIA – 11.05 MILLION METRIC TONS
Nigeria produced 11.05MMT of maize on 5.7 million hectares in 2023/2024, reflecting a decline from the previous season’s 12.95MMT on 5.8 million hectares. This decrease is partly attributed to climate challenges and a reduction in planting area. The next marketing year will likely produce 11MMT on 5.5 million hectares.
3. ETHIOPIA -10.2 MILLION METRIC TONS
Ethiopia’s maize production remained stable at 10.2MMT on 2.55 million hectares for the 2023/2024 marketing year. Despite consistent yields over recent years, the country has not achieved self-sufficiency in maize production. Efforts are underway to transition from a net importer to a net exporter soon.
4. EGYPT -7.2 MILLION METRIC TONS
Egypt’s maize production reached 7.2MMT in 2023/2024, slightly lower than the previous year’s 7.44MMT, despite an increase in planted area from 930,000 to 950,000 hectares. The decline is attributed to high insect pressure and excessive heat during the growing season. Egypt’s production will likely reduce further to 7MMT in the next season.
5. TANZANIA – 7 MILLION METRIC TONS
Tanzania experienced notable growth, producing 7MMT in 2023/2024, up from 5.9MMT in the previous season. This increase was driven by expanded planting on 4.2 million hectares compared to 4 million hectares in 2022/2023. The country targets an ambitious 8 MMT on 4.3 million hectares in the 2024/2025 season.
6. UGANDA – 4.95 MILLION METRIC TONS
Uganda achieved a modest rise in maize production, reaching 4.95 MMT in 2023/2024, up from 4.74 MMT in the previous season. The planted area increased from 2.15 million hectares to 2.27 million hectares, with plans to expand further to 2.3 million hectares and achieve 5 MMT in 2024/2025.
7. GHANA – 3.62 MILLION METRIC TONS
Ghana recorded 3.62 MMT of maize production on 1.3 million hectares in 2023/2024, up from 3.25 MMT the previous year. However, severe drought and ineffective pest control measures are expected to reduce the area planted to 1.1 million hectares and produce 2.3 MMT in 2024/2025.
8. MALAWI – 3.51 MILLION METRIC TONS
Malawi produced 3.51 MMT of maize in 2023/2024 from 1.79 million hectares, a decline from the prior year’s 3.71 MMT due to El Niño-induced drought, fall armyworm infestations, and flooding. The planted area is expected to shrink to 1.5 million hectares in 2024/2025, with a projected output of 2.9 MMT.
9. MALI – 3.39 MILLION METRIC TONS
Mali’s maize production declined to 3.39 MMT in 2023/2024 from 3.73 MMT the previous year due to reduced planted area (1.2 million hectares compared to 1.45 million hectares). However, the government plans to increase the planted area to 1.3 million hectares in 2024/2025, aiming for 3.7 MMT.
10. ZAMBIA- 3.263 MILLION METRIC TONS
Zambia produced 3.263 MMT of maize on 1.418 million hectares, up from 2.706 MMT on 1.115 million hectares in 2022/2023. Projections for 2024/2025 show a sharp drop to 1.510 MMT on 0.685 million hectares, driven by El Niño-induced dry spells and high temperatures during critical growth phases.
This feature appeared in ISSUE 11 of MILLING MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA MAGAZINE. You can read this and the entire magazine HERE
