Africa's Leading Maize Producers in 2025
In the heart of Africa, maize plays a crucial role in the dietary habits of millions. Over 300 million Africans rely on this versatile grain as a dietary staple, accounting for more than 30% of their caloric intake in many Sub-Saharan African countries.
The continent's maize production has seen its fair share of fluctuations, with weather patterns often causing volatility, particularly in countries like Malawi. Despite these challenges, Malawi managed to increase its production to 15.8 million metric tons in 2015. However, the following years were marked by instability, with the government's Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) helping to stabilise yields in 2024-2025.
In the race for the top spot in maize production, Nigeria emerged victorious in 2015, overtaking South Africa with a yield of 15.8 million metric tons. South Africa regained its position in 2024, producing a staggering 13.4 million tons, but Nigeria is set to reclaim the title in 2025, with an estimated output of 11.05 million tonsβmaking it the highest maize producer in Africa that year.
The story doesn't end with these two countries, though. Ethiopia, Tanzania, Cameroon, and many others contribute significantly to Africa's maize production. Ethiopia, for instance, is projected to produce approximately 3.4 million metric tons in 2025, while Tanzania and Cameroon are expected to yield around 2.6 million and 2.2 million metric tons, respectively.
Maize yields across the continent vary significantly, with rain-fed areas producing as little as 1.5 tons per hectare, and mechanized, irrigated systems yielding over 5 tons per hectare. This diversity in production is reflected in the continent's collective output, with Africa producing approximately 95 million metric tons of maize in the 2023/2024 trade year.
However, the 2024/2025 season saw a slight decrease of 91 million metric tons, a testament to the challenges faced by African farmers due to unpredictable weather patterns. Despite this setback, the future of maize production in Africa remains promising, with countries continuing to strive for increased yields and food security for their growing populations.
