The International Sugar Organization (ISO) is pleased to present its first dedicated study on West Africa’s sugar market, encompassing 22 countries across the CEMAC and ECOWAS regions. This marks the most extensive coverage in a single regional ISO report. Given the scale and diversity of the region, the study adopts a high-level regional perspective, while selectively offering deeper analysis were warranted by data or strategic relevance.
West Africa’s sugarcane industry remains structurally unable to meet regional demand. Consumption continues to rise, driven by robust population growth and increasing per capita intake — trends underpinned by improving life expectancy, maternal health, and child survival rates - while economic advances provide a further driver for growth. Though future demand is not quantified year-by-year, the trajectory is clearly visible in historical data and demographic projections.
Using the latest available data from 2024, the study maps the trade routes that supply the region’s sugar deficit, including key destination markets, inland distribution corridors, and prevailing import standards and packaging practices. These insights inform a broader assessment of domestic industry capacity and the evolving opportunities and challenges posed by regional and international trade.
The ISO Secretariat extends its sincere thanks to its members for proposing and supporting this important area of research.
INTRODUCTION
1 WEST AFRICA SUGAR STATISTICS
1.1 REGIONAL CONSUMPTION
1.2 PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION
1.3 CURRENCY AND BALANCE OF PAYMENT DYNAMICS
1.4 WEALTH AND FOOD ACCESS
2 SUGAR PRODUCTION IN WEST AFRICA
2.1 CEMAC REGION
2.2 ECOWAS
2.3 RAW SUGAR REFINING
3 TRADE INTO THE WEST AFRICA REGION
3.1 SUGAR TRADE INTO THE WEST AFRICA REGION
3.2 TRADE AGREEMENTS AMONG AND WITH WEST AFRICAN COUNTRIES
4 PROSPECTS FOR THE SUGAR INDUSTRY IN WEST AFRICA
4.1 PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES
CONCLUSION