The intra-regional food trade is one of the most important drivers of economic activity, food security and nutrition in West Africa. This report estimates that approximately USD 10 billion worth of food is traded annually across the region’s 15 countries. These trading links provide an estimated 68 trillion calories per year—enough to meet the energy needs of one‑quarter of the region’s population.
Population growth, urbanisation and rising incomes are creating further opportunities for food trade across West Africa. Regional food demand is projected to reach USD 480 billion in 2030, up from USD 126 billion in 2010. However, a lack of data and comparable statistics on the regional food trade is undermining the ability of policymakers to design effective measures to seize these opportunities and attract investment. Only 15% of intra-regional trade in West Africa is reflected in official statistics.
To help address these information gaps, this report provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of intra-regional food trade in West Africa. By combining official data with estimates of unrecorded flows, it offers new insights into the scale, composition, and value of intra-regional food trade. The analysis reveals a trade system that is not only significantly larger and more diverse than existing estimates, but also one that is deeply integrated and of high value. Further investments in data at the regional level are a key priority.
Beyond better data availability, this report recommends enhancing food trade to improve food and nutrition security and build resilient food systems by shifting away from counterproductive measures such as export bans, and focusing instead on ambitious regional trade promotion efforts. This includes ensuring better regional policy coordination, addressing regulatory fragmentation and enhancing transparency and consistency in the application of trade rules. More broadly, better transport and logistics infrastructure are needed to lower costs and attract new investments. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) can play a key role in helping governments harmonise regulations, reduce barriers and build partnerships, while strengthening national food systems and building a more integrated, resilient West African food economy.
Intra-regional Food Trade in West Africa: New Evidence, New Perspectives presents new evidence for building a more resilient, dynamic, and integrated food economy in West Africa. By drawing on the evidence presented here, policymakers and development partners can fully realise the potential of intra-regional food trade for sustainable development in the region.
Mathias CORMANN
Secretary-General
Organisation for Economic
Co‑operation and Development
Hadizatou Rosine SORI‑COULIBALY
President
Sahel and West Africa Club
Massandjé TOURÉ-LITSÉ
Commissioner for Economic
Affairs and Agriculture Economic
Community of West African States