Palm oil trade boosted by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa

In West Africa, Burkina Faso and Mali have become significant players in the palm oil market. Customs data from 2024 reveals that Côte d’Ivoire, the leading palm oil exporter in the region, exported palm oil worth CFA43.9 billion to Burkina Faso and CFA46.2 billion to Mali, making Ouagadougou and Bamako responsible for over 47% of Ivorian palm oil exports totaling CFA90.1 billion out of a regional total of CFA188.6 billion. This trend has been evolving for nearly a decade, with Burkina Faso’s imports of Ivorian palm oil more than tripling between 2015 and 2024, while Mali’s imports almost doubled during the same period.

The remarkable growth in palm oil imports in these countries is attributed to population growth and shifting consumption patterns. Palm oil holds a central place in the daily diets of Burkina Faso and Mali alongside other vegetable oils like shea, cottonseed, and groundnut oil. Due to unfavorable local conditions for large-scale palm oil production, both countries heavily rely on imports. External supply, especially from Côte d’Ivoire, plays a vital role in meeting the household consumption and industrial needs like soap, cosmetics, and basic consumer goods.

Geographic proximity, integration within WAEMU, and smooth trade channels give Côte d’Ivoire an edge as the primary supplier to these markets. The country’s palm oil production has been on the rise since the late 2010s, bolstering its position in the region. USDA data shows a significant increase in Côte d’Ivoire’s shipments of crude palm oil from 163,000 tons in 2016 to nearly 300,000 tons in 2021. This growth underscores the country’s growing capacity to cater to regional demand, with over 60% of its palm oil exports destined for other West African nations.

Côte d’Ivoire is cementing its role as a regional palm oil trade hub by meeting and exceeding regional palm oil demand. With a steady increase in production, the country has demonstrated its ability to supply growing needs within the region. As a result, Côte d’Ivoire is solidifying its position as the go-to supplier for palm oil in West Africa. This economic dynamics highlight the evolving palm oil trade landscape in West Africa, where Burkina Faso and Mali stand out as key players in this lucrative market.