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WISHH Sees Long-Term Market Development Success in Sub-Saharan Africa

Apr 13, 2017

US soybeans and SBM exports to SSA 2007 to 2016

Figure 1: Growth in U.S. soybean and soybean meal exports to sub-Saharan Africa from 2007 to 2016. (USDA FAS Global Agricultural Trade System Data)

The American Soybean Association’s (ASA) World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) Program’s long-term market development work in sub-Saharan Africa is gaining traction. In Africa, WISHH works with local supply chain partners to drive early-stage, long-term market growth in developing economies through technical assistance, market linkages, capacity building conferences, trade teams and market building campaigns.

U.S. soybean and soybean meal exports to sub-Saharan Africa grew steadily from 2007 to 2016 at an average rate of 4,286 metric tons/year (Figure 1), indicating steady early-stage market growth in the region. Nigeria, Senegal and Ghana accounted for 99 percent of 2016 sales, which were over 41,000 metric tons or an approximate 1.7 million bushel equivalent. These countries are core targets for WISHH animal feed and human food activities in West Africa. As these economies continue to grow, WISHH’s long-term market development work will play a critical role in ensuring that U.S. soybean exports continue to increase.