In Summary
- The total rice production in Africa for the 2024/2025 season is estimated at 25.4 million metric tons. While production has generally increased over the years, the pace of growth has fluctuated.
- In 2021, the total output value of rice production in Africa reached a record high of $26.6 billion.
- Nigeria is a major rice producer in Africa, with an estimated 5.23 million metric tons in the 2024/2025 season, although this is a decrease from previous years due to high production costs.
Deep Dive!!
Rice has cemented its position as one of the most important staple crops in Africa, feeding over 600 million people across the continent and shaping the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers.
As of 2025, Africa produces over 30 million metric tonnes of rice annually, led by countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, and Madagascar. Yet, despite rising output, the continent remains a net importer of rice, spending approximately $6 billion annually to bridge the gap between local production and growing demand, according to the African Development Bank.
The following ranking of Africa’s top 10 rice producers in 2025 highlights the countries that are not only increasing their domestic cultivation but are also investing in irrigation infrastructure, improved seed varieties, and mechanized farming systems.
Our list examines the production volumes, policy frameworks, and regional dynamics that are propelling these nations to the forefront of Africa’s rice revolution. Understanding their progress is essential for building a more food-secure and economically resilient continent.
10. Senegal
Senegal ranks as the 10th largest rice producer in Africa in 2025, with an estimated annual output of 1.38 million tons. This volume is largely driven by intensive irrigated cultivation along the Senegal River Valley, where structured water management and government-backed agricultural schemes have enabled more consistent and productive harvests. Rice is not just a dietary staple in Senegal; it is a political and economic priority. The government has declared rice self-sufficiency a national goal, and initiatives such as the Programme National d’Autosuffisance en Riz (PNAR) have mobilized public and private resources to improve yields, strengthen processing capacity, and enhance farmer incomes.
The relevance of rice production to Senegal’s economy is significant. The country imports hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of rice annually, making domestic production a key lever for reducing the trade deficit and easing pressure on foreign reserves. Expanding local rice production also directly supports rural employment and livelihoods across multiple segments of the value chain, from cultivation and harvesting to transport, milling, and retail. However, constraints remain. Limited irrigation outside the river valley, fragmented access to finance, and post-harvest inefficiencies continue to hamper the country’s full potential. Addressing these gaps through infrastructure investments, mechanization, and better financial inclusion will be vital for transforming Senegal from a high-consumption market into a competitive producer within West Africa’s rice economy.
9. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) ranks 9th among Africa’s top rice producers in 2025, with an estimated annual output of 1.58 million tonnes. This production is spread across the country’s vast and ecologically diverse regions, where both rain-fed and irrigated rice systems are practiced. The country’s sheer size and varied agro-climatic zones give it immense untapped potential for scaling up rice cultivation. However, current productivity is significantly below its capacity, as farmers continue to face systemic challenges such as outdated farming practices, inadequate rural infrastructure, and a lack of access to quality inputs and extension services.
Rice holds increasing strategic importance for the DRC’s food security and economic development. With rapid population growth and rising urban demand for rice as a staple food, boosting local production has become crucial to reduce dependence on imports and stabilize food prices. Moreover, strengthening the domestic rice sector can have a ripple effect on employment and income generation, particularly in rural areas where agriculture is the main livelihood. Yet, for the country to transition from a low-efficiency producer to a competitive agricultural force, major investments are needed in road networks, storage facilities, farmer cooperatives, and market systems. If harnessed effectively, rice production could become not only a pillar of national food policy but a driver of inclusive economic growth in the DRC.
8. Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Côte d’Ivoire ranks 8th among Africa’s leading rice producers in 2025, with an annual output of approximately 1.66 million tonnes. This growth is the result of deliberate investments by both the government and private sector in irrigation infrastructure, improved seed varieties, and farmer training programs, particularly in the country’s western and central rice-producing zones. The National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS) has played a central role in coordinating public-private efforts to boost yields and expand cultivated land, aiming to make the country self-sufficient in rice. These interventions have led to gradual improvements in productivity and strengthened the country’s position as a key rice player in West Africa.
Despite these gains, domestic rice production still falls short of national consumption needs. Côte d’Ivoire imports a substantial portion of its rice, primarily from Asia, to meet the dietary needs of its growing urban population. This dependency poses a significant economic risk, especially amid global supply chain disruptions and fluctuating commodity prices. Expanding local production is therefore a strategic priority for both food security and trade balance. Additionally, the rice value chain supports thousands of rural livelihoods, from farming and milling to transport and retail. Continued investment in mechanization, market access, and value-added processing will be critical to close the supply-demand gap and harness rice as a catalyst for inclusive economic development across the country.
7. Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone ranks 7th among Africa’s top rice producers in 2025, with an estimated annual output of 1.99 million tonnes. Rice is more than just a crop in Sierra Leone; it is the cornerstone of food security and cultural identity, consumed daily by the majority of households. Despite its strong production figures, the country continues to grapple with a rice self-sufficiency gap, largely due to low yields, post-harvest losses, and underdeveloped market systems. Much of the cultivation is rain-fed and dominated by smallholder farmers using traditional methods, which limits both productivity and resilience to climate variability.
Recognizing the urgency of strengthening domestic rice systems, the Sierra Leonean government has intensified efforts to modernize the sector through partnerships with international development agencies and regional bodies. These initiatives focus on expanding irrigation infrastructure, promoting high-yielding and climate-resilient seed varieties, and building farmer cooperatives to enhance access to finance, training, and markets. Rice holds substantial potential to transform Sierra Leone’s rural economy, offering opportunities for job creation, income diversification, and reduced import dependency. If current reforms are sustained and scaled, rice production could become a powerful engine for inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and long-term national stability.
6. Guinea
Guinea holds the 6th position among Africa’s top rice producers in 2025, with an estimated annual production of 2.48 million tonnes. The country’s unique geography, featuring fertile inland valleys, expansive lowlands, and a humid coastal climate, makes it naturally suited for both rain-fed and irrigated rice cultivation. In recent years, the Guinean government has intensified efforts to capitalize on this agro-ecological advantage by supporting mechanization, improving seed systems, and encouraging farmer cooperatives. These efforts, along with traditional farming practices, have helped maintain a strong level of production that continues to form the backbone of rural livelihoods.
Rice is a staple food in Guinea and a critical component of its national food security strategy. The sector not only feeds millions but also supports employment across farming, processing, and distribution. However, the country’s full agricultural potential remains underutilized due to lingering infrastructure challenges. Inadequate roads, limited access to irrigation in remote areas, and poor storage facilities contribute to high post-harvest losses and market inefficiencies. Overcoming these structural barriers will be key to scaling up production and reducing the country’s dependence on rice imports, particularly during lean seasons. With strategic investment and institutional support, Guinea’s rice sector could play an even more vital role in boosting food sovereignty and accelerating inclusive economic development.
5. Mali
Mali ranks 5th among Africa’s top rice producers in 2025, generating approximately 2.42 million tonnes annually. A significant portion of this output comes from the expansive Office du Niger irrigation scheme, one of the largest and most strategic agricultural zones in West Africa. Located along the Niger River, this area has enabled the country to practice large-scale irrigated rice farming, offering a level of reliability and productivity that rain-fed systems often lack. In recent years, Mali has accelerated efforts to modernize its rice sector by promoting mechanization, distributing improved seed varieties, and encouraging the adoption of climate-smart agricultural…