Africa Seed Market Size

The Africa Seed Market is projected to experience growth over the forecast period, driven by the adoption of innovative technologies and the expansion of cultivation areas. The market's expansion is influenced by the increasing demand for hybrid seeds, particularly non-transgenic hybrids, due to their high yield and pest resistance. While genetically modified organisms are gradually being integrated into African agriculture, their adoption varies by country. The market's dynamics are also shaped by the prevalence of open-pollinated varieties, which are favored by small-scale farmers for their cost-effectiveness. Row crops dominate the market, with significant contributions from countries like Nigeria and South Africa, where technological advancements in agriculture are more pronounced. Despite challenges such as limited government support for protected cultivation, the overall market size is expected to grow, reflecting the region's agricultural potential.

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Market Size of africa seed Industry

Africa Seed Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2030
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 2.99 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2030) USD 3.99 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Breeding Technology Hybrids
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2030) 4.89 %
svg icon Largest Share by Country Nigeria

Major Players

Africa Seed Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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Africa Seed Market Analysis

The Africa Seed Market size is estimated at 2.99 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 3.99 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.89% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

2.99 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

3.99 Billion

Market Size in 2030 (USD)

5.30 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

4.89 %

CAGR (2024-2030)

Largest Market by Crop Family

50.46 %

value share, Grains & Cereals, 2023

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It is the largest segment as Africa is one of the largest producers of sorghum globally. Rice and wheat are the staple food crops that were grown extensively.

Largest Market by Country

38.21 %

value share, Nigeria, 2023

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It is one of the major producers of corn and other cereals in the region. Most of the corn area utilizes commercial seeds, contributing more to the market share.

Fastest-growing Market by Crop Family

6.14 %

Projected CAGR, Solanaceae, 2024-2030

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It is the fastest-growing segment due to the increased production and growing demand from the processing industry and its adaptable nature to wider growing environments.

Fastest-growing Market by Country

6.10 %

Projected CAGR, Kenya, 2024-2030

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The increasing demand for commercial seeds in Kenya is driven by the increasing area under cereals and vegetables, where the usage of hybrids and commercial seeds is high.

Leading Market Player

9.04 %

market share, Bayer AG, 2022

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Bayer AG has invested heavily in product innovations and partnerships. Recently, it has introduced early matured and high-performance corn seed varieties in the African region.

Hybrids dominated the African seed market due to high yield and pest-resistance characteristics

  • In 2022, hybrids had a higher share in the African seed market, accounted for 60.2% of the market. The high share of hybrids is due to the high yield and pest resistance.
  • Non-transgenic hybrids accounted for 34.2% of the total seed market value in 2022. The non-transgenic hybrids' share increased by 3.4% in 2022 from the previous year.
  • GMOs are gradually becoming a part of modern agriculture in Africa. Only 5 of 47 countries have approved the cultivation of GMO crops, including South Africa, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Egypt, and Nigeria.
  • In an overall transgenic hybrid, herbicide-tolerant accounted for 42.7% of the African seed market in 2022. South Africa is the only country that allows herbicide-tolerant varieties. Soybean dominated the herbicide-tolerant transgenic seed market in South Africa, with a market share of 71.3% in terms of value, followed by corn (27.1%) and cotton (1.6%). In Africa, the area under herbicide tolerance was 297,607 hectares in 2022.
  • In Africa, insect-resistant transgenic hybrids dominated the transgenic seed market by holding 57.3% of the market share value in 2022. South Africa had the largest insect-resistant transgenic seed market, with a market share of 92.1%, followed by Egypt with 6.8% in 2022.
  • In 2022, out of the total seed market in Africa, the open-pollinated varieties and hybrid derivatives seed market accounted for 39.8% in terms of value. The area under open-pollinated varieties and hybrid derivatives in Africa was 30 million hectares in 2022, an increase of 8.1% since 2017 because of the low cost and usage of seeds for the next season. Moreover, the region has a high number of small-scale farmers, they mainly depend on local seeds such as OPVs for farming. Therefore, the demand for OPV's seeds is projected to increase in coming years.
Africa Seed Market

Nigeria dominates the African seed market due to a high level of technological adoption and large cultivation land.

  • In 2022, the seed market of Africa reached USD 2.81 billion. The surge in the adoption of innovative technologies is a significant driver in this segment. Row crops hold a dominant position in Africa's seed market. It accounted for 78.0% of the market value, primarily due to the extensive cultivation area and high consumption of these crops.
  • Nigeria held a major market share of 40.7% in Africa's seed market in 2022 because the country has a high level of technological adoption in agriculture. This includes precision farming techniques, the use of genetically modified crops, and advanced irrigation systems. Therefore, it is anticipated that the seed market value will grow during the forecast period, registering a CAGR of 4.9%.
  • South Africa accounted for the second largest share in the African seed market, with a value of USD 772.2 million in 2022. This was because row crops such as corn, wheat, sorghum, and other row crops are highly grown due to high consumption and demand from processing industries.
  • The area under cultivation increased by 7.3% between 2017 and 2022, reaching 275.2 million hectares. This growth was driven by favorable climate conditions, such as adequate rainfall or improved soil fertility, which encouraged the expansion of agricultural land in the region.
  • In Africa, the protected cultivation segment had a share value of less than 0.01% of the total seed market in 2022 due to less government support for setting up new greenhouse structures, lack of technical support and skills, and limited access to investment funding is a major obstacle to the adoption of protected cultivation techniques by African growers.
  • The rise in cultivation land and growth in adopting innovative technologies are estimated to drive the African seed market during the forecast period.

Africa Seed Industry Segmentation

Hybrids, Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives are covered as segments by Breeding Technology. Open Field, Protected Cultivation are covered as segments by Cultivation Mechanism. Row Crops, Vegetables are covered as segments by Crop Type. Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania are covered as segments by Country.

  • In 2022, hybrids had a higher share in the African seed market, accounted for 60.2% of the market. The high share of hybrids is due to the high yield and pest resistance.
  • Non-transgenic hybrids accounted for 34.2% of the total seed market value in 2022. The non-transgenic hybrids' share increased by 3.4% in 2022 from the previous year.
  • GMOs are gradually becoming a part of modern agriculture in Africa. Only 5 of 47 countries have approved the cultivation of GMO crops, including South Africa, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Egypt, and Nigeria.
  • In an overall transgenic hybrid, herbicide-tolerant accounted for 42.7% of the African seed market in 2022. South Africa is the only country that allows herbicide-tolerant varieties. Soybean dominated the herbicide-tolerant transgenic seed market in South Africa, with a market share of 71.3% in terms of value, followed by corn (27.1%) and cotton (1.6%). In Africa, the area under herbicide tolerance was 297,607 hectares in 2022.
  • In Africa, insect-resistant transgenic hybrids dominated the transgenic seed market by holding 57.3% of the market share value in 2022. South Africa had the largest insect-resistant transgenic seed market, with a market share of 92.1%, followed by Egypt with 6.8% in 2022.
  • In 2022, out of the total seed market in Africa, the open-pollinated varieties and hybrid derivatives seed market accounted for 39.8% in terms of value. The area under open-pollinated varieties and hybrid derivatives in Africa was 30 million hectares in 2022, an increase of 8.1% since 2017 because of the low cost and usage of seeds for the next season. Moreover, the region has a high number of small-scale farmers, they mainly depend on local seeds such as OPVs for farming. Therefore, the demand for OPV's seeds is projected to increase in coming years.
Breeding Technology
Hybrids
Non-Transgenic Hybrids
Transgenic Hybrids
Herbicide Tolerant Hybrids
Insect Resistant Hybrids
Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives
Cultivation Mechanism
Open Field
Protected Cultivation
Crop Type
Row Crops
Fiber Crops
Cotton
Other Fiber Crops
Forage Crops
Alfalfa
Forage Corn
Forage Sorghum
Other Forage Crops
Grains & Cereals
Corn
Rice
Sorghum
Wheat
Other Grains & Cereals
Oilseeds
Canola, Rapeseed & Mustard
Soybean
Sunflower
Other Oilseeds
Pulses
Vegetables
Brassicas
Cabbage
Carrot
Cauliflower & Broccoli
Other Brassicas
Cucurbits
Cucumber & Gherkin
Pumpkin & Squash
Other Cucurbits
Roots & Bulbs
Garlic
Onion
Potato
Other Roots & Bulbs
Solanaceae
Chilli
Eggplant
Tomato
Other Solanaceae
Unclassified Vegetables
Asparagus
Lettuce
Okra
Peas
Spinach
Other Unclassified Vegetables
Country
Egypt
Ethiopia
Ghana
Kenya
Nigeria
South Africa
Tanzania
Rest of Africa
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Africa Seed Market Size Summary

The Africa Seed Market is experiencing a notable expansion, driven by the increasing adoption of innovative agricultural technologies and the growing demand for high-yield and pest-resistant seed varieties. The market is characterized by a significant share of hybrid seeds, particularly non-transgenic hybrids, which are favored for their high yield and resistance to pests. The region is gradually integrating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into its agricultural practices, with a few countries leading the way in approving GMO crop cultivation. The market is predominantly influenced by row crops, which hold a substantial portion of the market value due to their extensive cultivation and high consumption. Nigeria and South Africa are key players in the market, benefiting from advanced agricultural practices and favorable climatic conditions that support the growth of various crops, including corn, soybeans, and oilseeds.

The demand for open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) is also on the rise, particularly among small-scale farmers who rely on these seeds for their cost-effectiveness and ease of use. The market is fragmented, with major companies like BASF SE, Bayer AG, Corteva Agriscience, Groupe Limagrain, and Syngenta Group playing significant roles in introducing new seed varieties with desirable traits such as disease resistance and adaptability to diverse growing conditions. The introduction of high-quality seed varieties is crucial for addressing challenges like crop diseases, which can lead to significant yield losses. As the market continues to evolve, the focus on developing seeds that meet the specific needs of African farmers is expected to drive further growth, ensuring a steady supply of food and supporting the region's agricultural development.

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Africa Seed Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Breeding Technology

      1. 1.1.1 Hybrids

        1. 1.1.1.1 Non-Transgenic Hybrids

        2. 1.1.1.2 Transgenic Hybrids

          1. 1.1.1.2.1 Herbicide Tolerant Hybrids

          2. 1.1.1.2.2 Insect Resistant Hybrids

      2. 1.1.2 Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives

    2. 1.2 Cultivation Mechanism

      1. 1.2.1 Open Field

      2. 1.2.2 Protected Cultivation

    3. 1.3 Crop Type

      1. 1.3.1 Row Crops

        1. 1.3.1.1 Fiber Crops

          1. 1.3.1.1.1 Cotton

          2. 1.3.1.1.2 Other Fiber Crops

        2. 1.3.1.2 Forage Crops

          1. 1.3.1.2.1 Alfalfa

          2. 1.3.1.2.2 Forage Corn

          3. 1.3.1.2.3 Forage Sorghum

          4. 1.3.1.2.4 Other Forage Crops

        3. 1.3.1.3 Grains & Cereals

          1. 1.3.1.3.1 Corn

          2. 1.3.1.3.2 Rice

          3. 1.3.1.3.3 Sorghum

          4. 1.3.1.3.4 Wheat

          5. 1.3.1.3.5 Other Grains & Cereals

        4. 1.3.1.4 Oilseeds

          1. 1.3.1.4.1 Canola, Rapeseed & Mustard

          2. 1.3.1.4.2 Soybean

          3. 1.3.1.4.3 Sunflower

          4. 1.3.1.4.4 Other Oilseeds

        5. 1.3.1.5 Pulses

      2. 1.3.2 Vegetables

        1. 1.3.2.1 Brassicas

          1. 1.3.2.1.1 Cabbage

          2. 1.3.2.1.2 Carrot

          3. 1.3.2.1.3 Cauliflower & Broccoli

          4. 1.3.2.1.4 Other Brassicas

        2. 1.3.2.2 Cucurbits

          1. 1.3.2.2.1 Cucumber & Gherkin

          2. 1.3.2.2.2 Pumpkin & Squash

          3. 1.3.2.2.3 Other Cucurbits

        3. 1.3.2.3 Roots & Bulbs

          1. 1.3.2.3.1 Garlic

          2. 1.3.2.3.2 Onion

          3. 1.3.2.3.3 Potato

          4. 1.3.2.3.4 Other Roots & Bulbs

        4. 1.3.2.4 Solanaceae

          1. 1.3.2.4.1 Chilli

          2. 1.3.2.4.2 Eggplant

          3. 1.3.2.4.3 Tomato

          4. 1.3.2.4.4 Other Solanaceae

        5. 1.3.2.5 Unclassified Vegetables

          1. 1.3.2.5.1 Asparagus

          2. 1.3.2.5.2 Lettuce

          3. 1.3.2.5.3 Okra

          4. 1.3.2.5.4 Peas

          5. 1.3.2.5.5 Spinach

          6. 1.3.2.5.6 Other Unclassified Vegetables

    4. 1.4 Country

      1. 1.4.1 Egypt

      2. 1.4.2 Ethiopia

      3. 1.4.3 Ghana

      4. 1.4.4 Kenya

      5. 1.4.5 Nigeria

      6. 1.4.6 South Africa

      7. 1.4.7 Tanzania

      8. 1.4.8 Rest of Africa

Africa Seed Market Size FAQs

The Africa Seed Market size is expected to reach USD 2.99 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.89% to reach USD 3.99 billion by 2030.

In 2024, the Africa Seed Market size is expected to reach USD 2.99 billion.

Seed Market in Africa Report Snapshots

Africa Seed Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030