Browse Data and Analysis

The United States Department of Agriculture, led by the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, finalized new export health certificates for several animal products in three West African countries.

This report provides information on export certificates and other certification/accreditation required for imported food and agriculture products, including live animals. There is no update for 2024.

This report is an annual update of Senegal’s food and feed regulations and governmental regulatory bodies and enforcement mechanisms. It provides information and guidance on import requirements, procedures, and documentation.

Senegal rice MY2025/26 area and milled rice production are both forecast to increase about seven percent to 245,000 HA and 645,000 MT, respectively. In addition, the 23 percent farm gate price increase since 2022 will probably continue to motivate farmers to plant more.

FAS-Lagos forecasts a 12 percent increase in raw sugar imports in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 compared to the prior year. This is due to increased foreign exchange availability, appreciation of the naira, and the projected increase in consumption.

Burkina Faso, once the leader in West Africa cotton production, now ranks third (after Mali and Benin) due to its ongoing security challenges, though production is forecast to start recovering in MY2025/26.

This report was revised to reflect all major export certificates and import permits that the government of Nigeria (GON) requires for exporting agricultural and related products from the United States to Nigeria.

Corn, wheat, rice, and sorghum consumption is expected to increase in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 due to the appreciation of the naira, slowing food price inflation, and macroeconomic stabilization.

MY2024/25 cotton area harvested for Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso is estimated to decrease 17 percent to 981,000 HA. This is mainly due to decreased planted area resulting from a late rainy season in all three countries, as well as civil conflict in Burkina Faso.

This is a regional report on West Africa that primarily covers Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Mali, but also provides brief overviews in certain sections for Niger, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritania.

In January 2024, Nigeria became the second country in Africa to approve the commercial release of four biotech (TELA) maize varieties.

Nigeria is one of Africa's largest retail consumer markets, however in 2023-2024, difficult economic conditions and changing government policies have taken a bite out of the country's food retail prospects. This report provides an overview of Nigeria’s retail sector, including market entry strategies, structure, distribution channels, and best export prospects.