Senegal set to overtake Sudan as Africa’s second largest groundnut producer in 2025/2026

SENEGAL – Senegal is moving closer to ranking as Africa’s second largest groundnut producer after Nigeria, according to new production estimates.

Data from the US Department of Agriculture shows Senegal could harvest 1.15 million tonnes of groundnuts during the 2025/2026 season. The projected output signals a strong recovery from the 800,000 tonnes recorded in 2024/2025 and places the country ahead of Sudan, which may record about 1 million tonnes.

Sudan held a strong lead over Senegal between 2018/2019 and 2019/2020, with output exceeding Senegal’s by more than one million tonnes. However, armed conflict and economic strain have slowed production across key farming zones in Darfur and Kordofan.

Islam Baasher, head of business development at Bayrony, described the situation during the World Conference on Sesame and Peanuts in Turkey. “Many companies have been forced to suspend their activities or operate at a slower pace, weakening agricultural contractualization mechanisms and disrupting the entire supply chain. In addition, the closure of many banks has limited producers’ access to financing, slowing down the planting and harvesting seasons, with a direct impact on the volumes produced. Insecurity has increased the risk of loss and deterioration of goods, leading to a surge in logistics costs that weighs on the profitability of the sector and the supply of the market,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senegal continues to record stronger yields. Farmers achieved about one tonne per hectare in 2024/2025, compared with Sudan’s 0.69 tonnes per hectare. Forecasts suggest Senegal could reach 1.32 tonnes per hectare this season, while Sudan’s yields may fall to 0.50 tonnes per hectare.

Strong supply tests local buying capacity

Higher output in Senegal brings both opportunity and pressure. The National Company for the Marketing of Oilseeds plans to collect 450,000 tonnes from farmers, but progress remains slow. Authorities launched marketing in November, yet buyers had secured only 62,000 tonnes after two months.

The regional coordinator of the farmers association Aar Sunu Momel in Thiès raised doubts about the target. “It would be illusory to think that this company is able to buy 450,000 tons of groundnut seeds,” he said.

Analysts warn that excess supply could lower local prices despite a minimum price of 305 CFA francs per kilogram (about US$0.50). Exporters may benefit after authorities removed the 4 percent tax on international sales.

Senegal’s exports of unroasted groundnuts have declined in recent years, falling from 154.7 billion FCFA (US$279.5 million) in 2021 to 65.3 billion FCFA (US$118 million). Shipment volumes also dropped to 121,798 tonnes.

Global demand could support trade growth. MarketResearch.biz valued the dried fruits market at US$9.48 billion in 2025 and expects it to reach US$10.02 billion in 2026 before climbing to US$15.64 billion by 2034. Future Market Insights estimates the sector could hit US$16 billion by 2030, supported by rising use in bakery products, confectionery, and healthy snacks.

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