- South Africa – 17,100,000 MT
South Africa presently leads as the foremost corn producer in Africa. The yield for the marketing year 2022/23 exhibits notable progress, surpassing the 16,137,000 MT recorded in the previous year by an impressive 8%. Furthermore, it represents an 8% upswing from the 5-year average of 15,571,000 MT. The lion’s share of South Africa’s maize exports finds its way to Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia.
- Nigeria – 12,735,000 MT
Nigeria has maintained a steady corn yield, maintaining a 5-year average of 12,283,000 MT. However, the forecast for the 2023/24 marketing year indicates a slight dip to 12,000,000 MT due to adverse weather conditions.
- Ethiopia – 10,200,000 MT
The current maize yield in Ethiopia marks an 8.5% surge from the 9,400,000 MT achieved in the 2021/2022 marketing year. The outlook for the next marketing year is optimistic, with a projected increase of 200,000 MT attributed to expanded acreage.
- Egypt – 7,440,000 MT
Corn production in Egypt remains constant compared to the previous marketing year and is expected to reach 7,600,000 MT in MY 2023/24. The country has experienced a progressive growth in corn production, with the current yield exceeding the five-year average of 6,896,000 MT by 10%.
- Tanzania – 5,900,000 MT
The current maize yield in Tanzania represents a significant reduction from the 7,039,000 MT produced in MY 2021/22. However, the outlook for MY 2023/24 anticipates a 3% increase, reaching approximately 6.1 million metric tons (MT). This surge can be attributed to more farmers transitioning to corn cultivation in response to favorable prices.
- Mali – 3,733,000 MT
Corn production in Mali has maintained relative stability, boasting a 5-year average of 3,659,000 MT. Nevertheless, the yield for MY 2023/24 is expected to decrease to 3,500,000 MT due to the country’s struggle with drought and the encroachment of desertification.
- Malawi – 3,717,000 MT
The 2022/23 yield in Malawi marked a 19% decline from the 4,581,000 MT achieved in 2021/22. This drop was primarily attributed to droughts, cyclones, rising temperatures, and erratic rainfall. However, the trend is poised to recover in MY 2023/24, with the country expected to produce approximately 3,510,000 MT.
- Ghana – 3,401,000 MT
Ghana’s maize production represents a 15% increase from the 5-year average of 2,968,000 MT. The yield is projected to remain steady in MY 2023/24, reflecting the government’s “Planting for Food and Jobs” (PFJ) initiative aimed at boosting corn production.
- Kenya – 2,900,000 MT
Maize is one of the most cultivated food crops in Kenya. However, the yield for MY 2022/23 has witnessed a 12% decline from the preceding year due to drought and erratic rainfall. The Kenyan government is diligently planning to augment maize acreage by utilizing public lands, with the aspiration of achieving maize self-sufficiency by 2024.
- Uganda – 2,800,000 MT
Ranking 10th on this list is Uganda, with maize production slightly lower than its neighboring country, Kenya. The current yield mirrors that of the prior marketing year and is expected to persist at the same level in the 2023/24 marketing year.
This feature appeared in ISSUE 6 of MILLING MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA MAGAZINE. You can read this and the entire magazine HERE
