Top 10 Wheat Producers in Africa- Marketing Year 2022/23

1. Egypt- 9,500,000 MT

Egypt is the largest wheat producer in Africa, averaging 9.07 million metric tons (MMT) per year. The yield in MY2022/2023 slightly dropped to 9.5MMT from the 9.8MMT produced in the previous marketing year.

2. Ethiopia- 7,500,000 MT

Currently the largest wheat consumer in Africa, Ethiopia recorded a production of 7 million metric tons (MMT) in 2022/23, which is an increase from 5.5 MMT in 2021/22. The country did not import any wheat in 2022 and plans to achieve self-sufficiency in wheat production and become a net exporter by 2025/26.

3. Algeria- 3,300,000 MT

Algeria ranks third in wheat production in Africa, with a production of 3.3 MMT. This yield is an improvement over last year’s drought-impacted crop, surpassing the 2.5 million tonnes of wheat produced in MY2021-22.

4. Morocco- 2,700,000 MT

In MY 2022/23, Morocco produced approximately 2.7 MMT of wheat. The yield is forecasted to increase by over 60% in the MY 2023-24. This bullish estimate is because the West African country has experienced five consecutive seasons of drought that diminished its wheat output.

5. South Africa- 2,100,000 MT

The 2.1 million metric tons (MMT) production in South Africa is a 6.5% drop from the 2.257 MMT produced in MY 2021/22. South Africa is a net importer, with a consumption level of about 3.3 million metric tons (MMT).

6. Tunisia- 1,230,000 MT

Tunisia has been grappling with drought and is expected to increase its reliance on imports in the coming year. The USDA forecasts a production level of 0.8 million metric tons (MMT) in the MY2023/24. Wheat consumption is approximately 3MMT, and the country relies on exports to fulfill the additional demand.

7. Sudan- 476,000 MT

The yield in 2022/23 experienced a 30% decrease from the 0.676 million metric tons (MMT) recorded in 2021/22. This decline was primarily caused by the exorbitant cost of fertilizers in the global market, affecting wheat productivity in the country. This production is expected to recover in MY2023/24 to 0.65 MMT.

8. Kenya- 275,000 MT

The USDA forecasts that wheat production in Kenya will increase to 0.31 million metric tons (MMT) in MY 2023/24. Kenya imports more than 2MMT of wheat to sustain its local demand. Consumption has been dwindling due to high prices, disruptions in global supply chains, and the worsening exchange rate in Kenya.

9. Libya- 2500,000 MT

Wheat is one of the two primary grains cultivated in Libya, with the other being barley. Wheat production has remained unchanged since MY 2021/22, and the USDA forecasts that it will continue to remain unchanged at 0.2 million metric tonnes (MMT) in MY 2023/24.

10. Zambia – 235,000 MT

In MY2022/23, wheat production in Zambia increased by 14% from 0.206 million metric tons (MMT) in MY 2021/22. The USDA predicts that the yield will slightly decrease in 2023/24 to 0.2MMT. Zambia is self-sufficient in wheat production and is a net exporter, selling its surplus to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

This feature appeared in ISSUE 5 of MILLING MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA MAGAZINE. You can read this and the entire magazine HERE