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Africa Grain Seed Market Size

The Africa Grain Seed Market is projected to experience growth over the forecast period, driven by the increasing demand for high-yielding hybrid varieties and the approval of genetically modified seeds. Hybrid seeds, particularly non-transgenic and insect-resistant types, dominate the market due to their ability to enhance crop yield and productivity. South Africa holds a significant portion of the market share, benefiting from the availability of improved seed varieties and the cultivation of profitable crops like corn. Meanwhile, countries such as Kenya and Ghana are emerging as fast-growing markets, with rice being a major demand driver. The expansion of cultivation areas and rising grain consumption across the continent are key factors contributing to the market's growth trajectory.

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Market Size of africa grain seed Industry

Africa Grain Seed Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2030
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 1.5 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2030) USD 1.94 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Breeding Technology Hybrids
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2030) 4.37 %
svg icon Largest Share by Country South Africa
svg icon Market Concentration Low

Major Players
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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Africa Grain Seed Market Analysis

The Africa Grain Seed Market size is estimated at 1.5 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 1.94 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.37% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

1.5 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

1.94 Billion

Market Size in 2030 (USD)

4.34 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

4.37 %

CAGR (2024-2030)

Largest Market by Crop

48.61 %

value share, Corn, 2023

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The high share of corn is due to the high adoption of hybrids along with the increasing area under cultivation. It is one of the major grain crops cultivated in the region.

Largest Market by Country

34.20 %

value share, South Africa, 2023

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The increased area under cultivation, adoption of transgenic hybrids in the case of corn, and high seed replacement rate drive the high market share.

Fastest-growing Market by Crop

6.19 %

Projected CAGR, Sorghum, 2024-2030

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The high growth rate of sorghum is mainly due to the development of hybrid sorghum, increasing farmers' interest in adopting disease-resistant and high-yielding varieties.

Fastest-growing Market by Country

6.58 %

Projected CAGR, Kenya, 2024-2030

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The increased government initiatives encouraging the cultivation of commercial seeds and the rising demand for exports have contributed to the fast growth of the market in the country.

Leading Market Player

14.80 %

market share, Seed Co Limited, 2022

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The company has invested heavily in expanding its seed units and partnerships with multinational seed companies to meet the growing demand for improved seeds in the region.

Approval of GMO seeds and increased demand for high-yielding hybrids is estimated to drive the market’s growth

  • Hybrid varieties dominated the market and held a share of 59.4% in 2022, whereas open-pollinated varieties held a share of 40.6%. This could be mainly attributed to the increased utilization of hybrids to increase the yield and productivity of the crops.
  • In 2022, rice and wheat remained the two major crops grown in Africa using open-pollinated varieties and hybrid derivatives, accounting for 98.6% and 98.4% of the respective markets in Africa. The increased research and development of disease-resistant and high-yielding open-pollinated varieties are expected to drive the market's growth.
  • Under the hybrids segment, non-transgenic hybrids accounted for 60.4% and transgenic seeds accounted for 39.6% of the region's grains and cereals market in 2022.
  • Only five of the 47 countries approved the use of GMO crops, which are South Africa, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Egypt, and Nigeria. GMOs are gradually integrating into modern African agriculture. In Africa, insect-resistant transgenic hybrids accounted for 78.2% of the transgenic seed market in terms of value, and herbicide-tolerant hybrids accounted for 21.8% in 2022. South Africa dominates the African grain seed market in insect-resistant and herbicide-resistant traits. Herbicide-tolerant varieties were approved only in South Africa.
  • Corn is the only grain crop cultivated in Africa with the herbicide-tolerant trait. The market value of GM herbicide-tolerant grains is estimated to record a CAGR of 2.4% during the forecast period.
  • Approval of genetically modified seeds and increasing demand for high-yielding hybrids are expected to drive the market’s growth.
Africa Grain Seed Market

South Africa is the largest grain seed market in Africa due to the large area of grain cultivation in the country

  • In 2022, grains and cereals accounted for about 62.6% of the African row crop seed market. The primary reason for the higher market share of grains was the increase in their consumption and the increasing acreage under cultivation.
  • South Africa holds the major share of Africa’s grain seed market, accounting for about 34.6% of the market in 2022. This was because of the availability of new and improved seed varieties, access to the market, and an increase in the cultivation of highly profitable crops, such as corn. The market share of South Africa is projected to grow during the forecast period.
  • Kenya and Ghana are the fastest-growing grain seed markets, which are anticipated to register a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period. Rice is the major grain crop, which is in high demand in these countries.
  • Corn held the largest share of the African grain seed market, accounting for 49.1% of the market in 2022. South Africa holds the major share of the African corn market, which accounted for 50.3% by value in 2022 due to more area under cultivation, the approval of GM corn for cultivation, and the availability of hybrid varieties from global players suitable for local areas.
  • Ethiopia and Nigeria are the fastest-growing wheat markets in the region, which is anticipated to record a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. The increasing area under cultivation of profitable crops and the growing consumption are driving the growth of the market in these countries.
  • The increasing cultivation area in Africa and the increasing consumption of grains are the factors anticipated to drive the African grain seed market during the forecast period.

Africa Grain Seed Industry Segmentation

Hybrids, Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives are covered as segments by Breeding Technology. Corn, Rice, Sorghum, Wheat are covered as segments by Crop. Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania are covered as segments by Country.

  • Hybrid varieties dominated the market and held a share of 59.4% in 2022, whereas open-pollinated varieties held a share of 40.6%. This could be mainly attributed to the increased utilization of hybrids to increase the yield and productivity of the crops.
  • In 2022, rice and wheat remained the two major crops grown in Africa using open-pollinated varieties and hybrid derivatives, accounting for 98.6% and 98.4% of the respective markets in Africa. The increased research and development of disease-resistant and high-yielding open-pollinated varieties are expected to drive the market's growth.
  • Under the hybrids segment, non-transgenic hybrids accounted for 60.4% and transgenic seeds accounted for 39.6% of the region's grains and cereals market in 2022.
  • Only five of the 47 countries approved the use of GMO crops, which are South Africa, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Egypt, and Nigeria. GMOs are gradually integrating into modern African agriculture. In Africa, insect-resistant transgenic hybrids accounted for 78.2% of the transgenic seed market in terms of value, and herbicide-tolerant hybrids accounted for 21.8% in 2022. South Africa dominates the African grain seed market in insect-resistant and herbicide-resistant traits. Herbicide-tolerant varieties were approved only in South Africa.
  • Corn is the only grain crop cultivated in Africa with the herbicide-tolerant trait. The market value of GM herbicide-tolerant grains is estimated to record a CAGR of 2.4% during the forecast period.
  • Approval of genetically modified seeds and increasing demand for high-yielding hybrids are expected to drive the market’s growth.
Breeding Technology
Hybrids
Non-Transgenic Hybrids
Transgenic Hybrids
Herbicide Tolerant Hybrids
Insect Resistant Hybrids
Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives
Crop
Corn
Rice
Sorghum
Wheat
Other Grains & Cereals
Country
Egypt
Ethiopia
Ghana
Kenya
Nigeria
South Africa
Tanzania
Rest of Africa
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Africa Grain Seed Market Size Summary

The Africa Grain Seed Market is experiencing a steady expansion, driven by the increasing demand for high-yielding hybrid varieties and the gradual integration of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into modern agriculture. Hybrid seeds, particularly non-transgenic and insect-resistant varieties, dominate the market due to their ability to enhance crop yield and productivity. South Africa leads the market, benefiting from the availability of improved seed varieties and the cultivation of profitable crops like corn. The country's approval of GM corn and the presence of global players offering suitable hybrid varieties further bolster its market position. Meanwhile, countries like Kenya and Ghana are emerging as fast-growing markets, with rice being a major crop in high demand.

The market's growth is also supported by the increasing cultivation area and consumption of staple grains such as corn, sorghum, and rice, which are essential for food security in the region. Initiatives like the Accelerating Genetic Gains in Maize and Wheat project aim to enhance breeding efficiency, producing climate-resilient and disease-resistant varieties. The demand for disease-resistant traits, particularly in wheat, is rising due to challenges like leaf rust. The market is fragmented, with major players like Bayer AG, Corteva Agriscience, and Seed Co Limited leading the way in introducing innovative seed solutions. These developments are expected to drive the market forward, increasing profitability for growers and meeting the region's growing food and feed needs.

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Africa Grain Seed Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Breeding Technology

      1. 1.1.1 Hybrids

        1. 1.1.1.1 Non-Transgenic Hybrids

        2. 1.1.1.2 Transgenic Hybrids

          1. 1.1.1.2.1 Herbicide Tolerant Hybrids

          2. 1.1.1.2.2 Insect Resistant Hybrids

      2. 1.1.2 Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives

    2. 1.2 Crop

      1. 1.2.1 Corn

      2. 1.2.2 Rice

      3. 1.2.3 Sorghum

      4. 1.2.4 Wheat

      5. 1.2.5 Other Grains & Cereals

    3. 1.3 Country

      1. 1.3.1 Egypt

      2. 1.3.2 Ethiopia

      3. 1.3.3 Ghana

      4. 1.3.4 Kenya

      5. 1.3.5 Nigeria

      6. 1.3.6 South Africa

      7. 1.3.7 Tanzania

      8. 1.3.8 Rest of Africa

Africa Grain Seed Market Size FAQs

The Africa Grain Seed Market size is expected to reach USD 1.50 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.37% to reach USD 1.94 billion by 2030.

In 2024, the Africa Grain Seed Market size is expected to reach USD 1.50 billion.

Africa Grain Seed Market Report Snapshots

Africa Grain Seed Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030