Burkina Faso and Mali have become major drivers of palm oil trade in West Africa, with Côte d’Ivoire at the center as the region’s leading exporter.
In 2024, Côte d’Ivoire exported palm oil worth CFA43.9 billion, or about $79.3 million, to Burkina Faso and CFA46.2 billion to Mali, according to customs data.
Together, Ouagadougou and Bamako accounted for more than 47% of Côte d’Ivoire’s palm oil exports, which totaled CFA90.1 billion out of regional exports valued at CFA188.6 billion.
The strong position of these two neighboring countries in Ivorian palm oil trade reflects a structural trend that has been building for nearly ten years.
According to Ecofin Agency, between 2015 and 2024, Burkina Faso’s imports of palm oil from Côte d’Ivoire more than tripled, while Mali’s imports almost doubled over the same period.
This sustained increase is driven by both population growth and changing consumption habits in Burkina Faso and Mali, where palm oil is a staple in daily diets alongside other vegetable oils such as shea, cottonseed, and groundnut oil.
Because local biophysical conditions are not suitable for large-scale oil palm cultivation, domestic production remains limited, making imports a necessity.
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With little to no national output, external supply has become strategically important not only for household consumption but also for industrial uses, particularly in the production of soap, cosmetics, and basic consumer goods.
In this context, Côte d’Ivoire has established itself as the preferred supplier. Its geographic proximity, integration within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), and relatively smooth regional trade flows give it a clear competitive advantage.
Côte d’Ivoire’s position has been further strengthened by a steady rise in palm oil production since the late 2010s.
As the largest economy in WAEMU, the country has benefited from continuous growth in available supply since 2018, allowing exporters to take a more assertive role in regional markets.
Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) show that Côte d’Ivoire’s exports of crude palm oil increased from 163,000 tons in 2016 to nearly 300,000 tons in 2021, highlighting its growing capacity to meet regional demand.
This momentum reinforces Côte d’Ivoire’s role as a regional hub for palm oil trade, with more than 60% of its shipments directed to other West African countries.
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Image Credit: Daba Finance
