Market Trends of Africa Peas Industry
Rising Demand for Plant Protein Drives Pea Imports in Africa
The increasing demand for plant-based proteins is driving pea imports in Africa as consumers shift towards healthier, sustainable, and rich diets. Pea protein, valued for its high nutritional content and versatility, is increasingly used in meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, snacks, and nutritional supplements. This trend aligns with the preferences for pea protein due to its amino acid profile, allergen-friendly nature, and environmental benefits compared to animal proteins. Moreover, athletes, health-conscious individuals, and weight-conscious adults are the primary consumers of plant protein in the region. The rising demand for pea protein has led to increased imports of fresh peas in recent years. According to the ITC Trade Map, the import value of fresh peas in the region was observed at USD 131,738 thousand in the year 2022, which increased to USD 135,259 thousand in the year 2023. This growing demand among health-conscious consumers is likely to drive the market during the forecast period.
Africa’s population is projected to double by 2050, creating a greater demand for food products, including protein sources like peas. As the population grows, especially in urban areas, there is an increasing need for affordable, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare food items. As more Africans move to cities, their diets are shifting toward convenience foods, which often include processed legumes like peas in forms such as split peas, pea flour, or frozen peas. This dietary shift has increased demand for peas in packaged and processed forms, contributing to the acceleration of import demand.
While some African countries (such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania) produce peas, many others face challenges in meeting local demand due to factors like insufficient agricultural infrastructure, limited mechanization, and low yields. For instance, according to FAOSTAT, Ethiopia green pea yield was 6,127.3 kg/ha in 2021, which descreased by 6,091.7 kg/ha in 2022. Consequently, Ethiopia imports a significant portion of its pea requirements, primarily from major pea-producing countries such as Canada, Russia, and the United States.
South Africa Dominate the Pea Market
South Africa dominates pea production in Africa due to its favorable climate, established agricultural infrastructure, and efficient export system. The country has invested in large-scale pea farming, focusing on both green (garden) peas and field peas for food and export. South Africa's advanced farming practices and supportive agricultural policies have positioned it as the continent's leading pea producer. According to FAOSTAT, South Africa's pea production increased from 4.34 thousand metric tons in 2020 to 5.12 thousand metric tons in 2022.
South Africa is expanding its pea production to meet growing domestic and regional demand, driven by the rising popularity of plant-based diets and alternative protein sources. The country's climate, particularly in regions like the Western Cape, supports pea farming during winter months, enabling efficient production cycles. This production increase aims to reduce import dependency and support the expanding local market for plant-based food products.
Investment in agricultural technology and improved farming practices has enabled South African producers to achieve better yields and quality. Farmers are increasingly adopting techniques such as drip irrigation and pest-resistant crop varieties to maximize output and enhance resilience to climate challenges. Government support and collaboration with agricultural institutions are helping to optimize production practices and expand the agricultural area dedicated to pea crops.
