In Summary
- Africa produced around 95 million metric tons of maize in the 2023/2024 trade year, according to Statista. A slight decrease of 91 million metric tons was recorded for the 2024/2025 season.
- In 2024, South Africa was the highest producer of maize in Africa, with 13.4 million tons, followed closely by Nigeria with 11.05 million tons, according to Milling Middle East & Africa Magazine.
- Despite increasing its production to 15.8 million metric tons in 2015, Nigeria overtook South Africa to claim the number one spot, with the West African giant increasing its output to 16.3 million metric tons.
Deep Dive!!
Maize is a cornerstone of Africa’s agricultural economy, both as a staple food crop and a vital contributor to rural livelihoods and national food security. According to reports, 300 million Africans depend on maize as a dietary staple, and the crop accounts for more than 30% of caloric intake in many Sub-Saharan African countries.
The significance of maize extends beyond food consumption; it fuels agro-industrial chains, supports livestock feed industries, and plays a growing role in bioenergy and export revenues. In 2023, African countries collectively produced over 90 million metric tons of maize, led by major producers such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Ethiopia.
According to FAO data, maize yields vary significantly across the continent, from 1.5 tons/hectare in rain-fed areas to over 5 tons/hectare in mechanized, irrigated systems. The performance of these leading producers reflects broader trends in investment, innovation, and agricultural policy, with notable efforts underway to improve seed quality, irrigation infrastructure, and market access.
Agriculture remains the primary employer for more than 60% of Africa’s population and contributes approximately 20–30% of GDP in many countries. Yet, the sector still struggles with productivity gaps, post-harvest losses, and inadequate financing. Maize, as a high-demand crop, sits at the center of ongoing transformation efforts aimed at achieving food sovereignty and reducing costly imports. As this report reveals, the top producers are not only feeding their populations but also driving growth through policy reform, agritech adoption, and climate-smart practices, setting the stage for a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural future.
As population growth surges and climate challenges intensify, understanding the dynamics of maize production across the continent has become more critical than ever. In this article, we highlight the top 10 maize-producing countries in Africa, offering a data-driven perspective on how this key crop is shaping economic strategies and development priorities.
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10. Cameroon
Cameroon continues to expand maize production thanks to increased mechanization, access to hybrid seeds, and regional government subsidies. Most maize is grown in the western highlands and northern savannah regions. The Ministry of Agriculture’s 2023–2025 strategy emphasized youth participation in agri-enterprises and partnerships with Brazil and Israel to improve irrigation systems.
However, logistical bottlenecks such as poor rural roads, post-harvest losses (up to 25%), and informal market chains prevent full commercial optimization. Despite these, maize remains central to Cameroon’s food security strategy, with significant demand in poultry and livestock feed. The estimated maize production output in the country for 2025 is approximately 2.2 million metric tons.
9. Tanzania
Tanzania’s maize sector is growing steadily, largely driven by smallholder farmers who contribute over 80% of national output. Regions such as Iringa, Mbeya, and Rukwa dominate production. With the support of USAID’s NAFAKA project and regional input subsidies, yields have improved, rising from 1.4 to 2.1 t/ha between 2020 and 2025.
The country exports maize to Kenya, Rwanda, and Malawi during bumper years, though erratic weather and post-harvest management challenges continue to affect consistency. The Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) continues to push for greater private-sector engagement in value chains. The estimated maize production output in the country for 2025 is approximately 2.6 million metric tons.
8. Ethiopia
Ethiopia remains East Africa’s top maize consumer and producer. With over 9 million smallholder households cultivating maize, the government’s Agricultural Growth Program (AGP) and partnerships with CIMMYT have driven higher-yield seed adoption.
Production clusters are centered in Oromia and the Southern Nations regions. However, challenges around seed distribution, conflict-related displacement, and rising fertilizer costs persist. That said, domestic demand continues to grow, especially for food security programs and the poultry sector. The estimated maize production output in the country for 2025 is approximately 3.4 million metric tons.
7. Malawi
Malawi’s maize output has been volatile due to weather patterns, but the government’s Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP) helped stabilize yields in 2024–2025. Hybrid seed distribution and conservation agriculture training programs have also improved per-hectare output.
Maize accounts for nearly 60% of total caloric intake in Malawi. However, storage losses, policy unpredictability, and export bans have discouraged private investment in processing and trade. Still, Malawi remains one of Africa’s most maize-dependent economies, with growing export potential into Zambia and Mozambique. The estimated maize production output in the country for 2025 is approximately 3.6 million metric tons.
6. Uganda
Maize is Uganda’s most exported crop, particularly to South Sudan, Kenya, and Rwanda. The country’s production has grown steadily due to improved seed varieties, better farmer cooperatives, and World Bank-sponsored rural extension services.
Major producing regions include Eastern Uganda and the mid-north. Although the country suffers from price volatility and weak storage infrastructure, private sector millers and aggregators like Grainpulse Ltd. are investing in formal market systems, including warehouse receipt schemes. The estimated maize production output in the country for 2025 is approximately 4.1 million metric tons.
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5. Angola
Angola has become a surprising maize powerhouse in recent years. State-driven investments, particularly post-COVID food security efforts and private capital from Brazil and Israel, have boosted mechanization in Huambo and Bié provinces.
The National Program for Grain Production (PLANAGRÃO), launched in 2022, aims to double maize output by 2027. While food imports remain high, Angola’s push for cereal independence is gaining traction, with plans for large-scale irrigation and processing infrastructure underway. The estimated maize production output in the country for 2025 is approximately 4.4 million metric tons.
4. Zambia
Zambia continues to shine as a maize exporter in Southern Africa. Maize production has surged thanks to favourable climate, FISP (Fertilizer Input Support Programme), and the e-voucher subsidy system. Central, Eastern, and Southern provinces lead in production.
With surpluses often exceeding 1 million tons, Zambia exports to the DRC, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. However, export restrictions and fluctuating subsidy policies still limit private investment. The country also invests in grain silos and milling plants to reduce waste and increase domestic processing. The estimated maize production output in the country for 2025 is approximately 4.9 million metric tons.
3. Ghana
Ghana’s “Planting for Food and Jobs” initiative, launched in 2017 and restructured in 2023, has significantly boosted maize output. The northern regions of the country, supported by irrigation schemes and mechanization centers, lead in production.
Improved seed varieties from MoFA and high market demand for maize-based poultry feed have helped stimulate investment in aggregation and warehousing. Ghana also imports less maize in 2025, a shift from prior years, thanks to stronger national self-sufficiency. The estimated maize production output in the country for 2025 is approximately 5.3 million metric tons.
2. South Africa
South Africa dominates the commercial maize space in Africa. With large-scale mechanized farms, robust infrastructure, and the Johannesburg Grain Exchange, it’s the continent’s maize trade and processing hub. White maize is grown for local consumption, while yellow maize is exported or used in livestock feed.
The Free State and Mpumalanga regions are key production zones. Maize exports to Japan, Taiwan, and regional countries remain strong. Despite occasional drought threats, GM seed usage, crop insurance, and financial derivatives help cushion yield volatility. The estimated maize production output in the country for 2025 is approximately 15.8 million metric tons.
1. Nigeria
Nigeria surpasses South Africa in total maize output in 2025, thanks to expansive smallholder farming across the North and Southwest. Programs like the Anchor Borrowers’ Scheme and the Central Bank’s Commodity Exchange push have incentivized maize cultivation.
However, Nigeria still faces critical challenges: yields per hectare remain low (1.9–2.2 t/ha), post-harvest losses can exceed 20%, and regional insecurity disrupts supply chains. Still, with over 5 million farmers involved and a booming poultry industry fueling demand, Nigeria tops the continent in maize volume. The estimated maize production output in the country for 2025 is approximately 16.3 million metric tons.
