With global demand for maize rising due to its multiple uses in food products, livestock feed, and biofuel, African nations are increasingly focusing on maize production to meet domestic needs and capitalize on export opportunities.
Agriculture is central to Africa’s economy, employing over 50% of its workforce and contributing significantly to GDP. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the past two decades have seen a consistent upward trend in global agricultural production to meet growing demand. Between 2000 and 2021, the production of primary crops increased by 54%, meat production by 53%, and milk production by 58%.
This growth in agricultural output has outpaced global population growth, which increased by 29% during the same period. The expansion in farming activities—through greater use of irrigation, pesticides, fertilisers, and cropland—and the adoption of improved production technologies, such as high-yield crops, have driven this increase, despite the challenges posed by climate change.
Today, technological advancements have revolutionised agriculture across the globe, ensuring food security for billions of people and securing the future of coming generations. Staple crops such as yams, potatoes, beans, and maize are essential to the diets of many populations, particularly in the Americas and Africa.
Maize, in particular, plays a crucial role in the production of various commodities, including cereals, cooking oils, sweeteners, animal feed, and dairy products. It not only sustains human life but also serves as a significant economic resource, driving the commercial sectors of many nations worldwide.
Despite challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and inconsistent rainfall, government policies and several initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity have been actively promoting maize production.
The World Bank asserts that agricultural development is one of the most effective tools to eradicate extreme poverty, boost shared prosperity, and feed an estimated 10 billion people by 2050. Growth in the agricultural sector is two to four times more effective at increasing income among the poorest populations compared to growth in other sectors. Agriculture is also a key driver of economic growth, accounting for 4% of global gross domestic product (GDP), and in some of the least developed countries, it contributes over 25% of GDP.
As of 2024, the top maize producers in the world are the United States, China, Brazil, India, and Argentina. A report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the 2023–2024 period indicated that 1.23 billion metric tons of maize were produced globally. South Africa ranked as the 11th largest producer, with 14 million metric tons during the 2023–2024 marketing year.
Nigeria follows closely, ranking 13th globally with 11.05 million metric tons produced, while Ethiopia ranks 14th with 10 million metric tons.
Below are the top maize-producing African countries:
South Africa
Metric tons: 14,000,000
Global Rank: 11th
Nigeria
Metric tons: 11,053,000
Global Rank: 13th
Ethiopia
Metric tons: 10,000,000
Global Rank: 14th
Egypt
Metric tons: 7,200,000
Global Rank: 18th
Tanzania
Metric tons: 6,400,000
Global Rank: 20th
Kenya
Metric tons: 3,700,000
Global Rank: 25th
Ghana
Metric tons: 3,619,000
Global Rank: 26th
Malawi
Metric tons: 3,510,000
Global Rank: 27th
Mali
Metric tons: 3,387,000
Global Rank: 28th
Zambia
Metric tons: 3,263,000
Global Rank: 29th
