Top 10 Rice Producers in Africa 2025

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 practices.

Rice plays a critical role in Mali’s economy and food security framework. It is a dietary staple across both urban and rural households and a key income source for thousands of farmers and agribusinesses. As demand for rice continues to rise, driven by population growth and urbanization, expanding domestic production has become essential for reducing import dependency and safeguarding national food reserves. Moreover, the rice value chain supports local employment and stimulates rural economies, particularly in regions where alternative income opportunities are limited. By continuing to invest in irrigation infrastructure, input access, and value chain integration, Mali is positioning rice as a strategic lever for economic resilience and sustainable agricultural development.

As one of the countries ranked for a data-driven and deep dive article on: Top 10 Rice Producers in Africa 2025. In 2-3 free-flow paragraphs, develop this content with more insight, impact, and relevance of rice production to the country’s economy.

4. Tanzania

Tanzania ranks 4th among Africa’s top rice producers in 2025, with an estimated annual output of 2.69 million tonnes. Major rice-producing regions such as Morogoro, Mbeya, and Shinyanga continue to anchor the country’s production, benefiting from fertile land, favorable rainfall, and sustained government investment. Over the past decade, Tanzania has worked closely with international partners to enhance its rice sector through large-scale irrigation development, promotion of high-yield seed varieties, and support for farmer training in modern agronomic practices. These efforts have not only improved yields but also expanded the area under cultivation, transforming rice into one of the country’s fastest-growing agricultural commodities.

Rice is of growing importance to Tanzania’s economy and food security. As a dietary staple across much of the country, increasing domestic production helps reduce reliance on imports and ensures greater price stability for consumers. At the same time, rice farming provides critical income for smallholder farmers and supports value-added industries such as milling, storage, and transportation. The government’s prioritization of rice under its Agricultural Sector Development Programme (ASDP II) reflects its strategic role in rural development and poverty reduction. Going forward, further gains will depend on improving market linkages, expanding irrigation beyond traditional hotspots, and strengthening post-harvest infrastructure to minimize losses and increase competitiveness across regional and international markets.

3. Madagascar

Madagascar secures the 3rd position among Africa’s top rice producers in 2025, with an impressive annual output of approximately 4.39 million tonnes. Rice is deeply embedded in the country’s culture, diet, and agricultural identity, often described as more than just a crop but a way of life. The country’s unique highland climate, coupled with centuries-old rice farming traditions, provides ideal conditions for cultivation. Both irrigated and rain-fed systems are widespread, with terraced rice fields dominating the central highlands and lowland plains supporting large-scale production. These agro-ecological advantages have positioned Madagascar as a continental leader in rice output.

Despite its strong production figures, Madagascar’s rice sector faces persistent structural challenges, particularly in post-harvest handling, storage, and distribution. A large share of harvested rice is lost or degraded due to inadequate drying, threshing, and warehousing infrastructure, which undermines farmer profits and national food security. Addressing these inefficiencies remains a top priority, especially as the country works toward improving food self-sufficiency and reducing the need for occasional rice imports. With strategic investment in modern post-harvest systems, value chain integration, and access to rural financing, Madagascar has the potential not only to feed its growing population more effectively but also to strengthen its position as a regional hub for rice production and trade.

2. Egypt

Egypt ranks 2nd in Africa’s rice production in 2025, with an estimated output of approximately 5 million tonnes, largely concentrated in the fertile Nile Delta. Renowned for its high-quality medium-grain rice, Egypt has long leveraged its advanced irrigation systems and flat deltaic landscapes to maintain steady, large-scale production. Rice not only serves as a staple food for millions of Egyptians but also holds export potential, particularly to neighboring Arab countries. However, the cultivation of water-intensive crops like rice in a water-scarce country has increasingly come under scrutiny, placing sustainability at the center of national agricultural policy.

In response, Egypt has taken significant steps to reconcile its rice ambitions with its pressing water management challenges. The government has restricted cultivation areas and promoted the adoption of short-cycle, water-efficient rice varieties. Investment in drip and sprinkler irrigation, farmer training, and digital water-use monitoring has also gained traction, particularly under the broader framework of Egypt’s Vision 2030. These shifts aim to preserve the viability of rice production while protecting the country’s dwindling water resources. As rice remains a major employer in the Delta and a buffer against food inflation, Egypt’s ability to balance productivity with environmental sustainability will be crucial, not just for food security, but for broader economic and ecological stability.

1. Nigeria

Nigeria stands at the top of Africa’s rice production chart in 2025, with an estimated 8.7 million tonnes harvested during the 2024–25 season. This milestone reflects years of consistent public and private investment, with rice emerging as both a strategic food crop and a symbol of Nigeria’s push for agricultural self-reliance. Key initiatives like the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP), launched by the Central Bank of Nigeria, have played a transformative role by connecting smallholder farmers with credit, inputs, and guaranteed markets. Meanwhile, the country has seen a notable rise in mechanized milling facilities, leading to higher quality local rice that increasingly competes with imports in urban retail markets.  

Rice production holds immense socio-economic importance in Nigeria. It supports millions of smallholder farmers across diverse agro-ecological zones, from the irrigated plains of Kebbi and Kano to the rain-fed fields in Ebonyi and Benue. The sector stimulates rural employment, fosters agribusiness innovation, and contributes to food price stability in one of Africa’s most populous nations. However, despite leading the continent in output, Nigeria continues to rely on imports to fill the demand-supply gap created by rapid population growth and urbanization. Bridging this gap will require sustained investment in irrigation, improved seed distribution, transport infrastructure, and post-harvest systems. As the country aspires to become self-sufficient and even an exporter in the future, rice will remain central to Nigeria’s broader agenda for economic diversification and food sovereignty.