Africa Peas Market Analysis
The Africa Peas Market size is estimated at USD 0.40 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 0.49 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- In Africa, fresh peas are cultivated primarily for their sweet flavor. The two predominant varieties are the common shelled peas and the edible-podded snap peas, which are consumed similarly to green beans and boast sweet, crunchy pods. Both types can be frozen for summer use.
- The African pea market is experiencing consistent growth, largely fueled by demand in the food and agriculture sectors. A significant driver of this market is the rising preference for plant-based proteins, heightening interest in peas, particularly for uses like pea protein isolate in food and beverages. Additionally, the health benefits of peas are poised to further propel market growth in the coming years. Rich in calcium and packed with magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, phosphorus, folic acid, and vitamins A, C, and B, peas are renowned for their efficacy in treating anemia, low blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
- African governments are actively bolstering pea production in the region. Numerous African nations are extending financial support, training, and infrastructure development to farmers cultivating peas. With assistance from international allies, these governments are further enhancing the regional pea market. For example, in 2021, UK government aid empowered 2,000 young farmers in western Kenya to forge sustainable livelihoods in horticulture farming including pea farming. A grant of £410,000 (USD 431,125.1) was allocated to the charity Farm Africa, facilitating the expansion of its successful Growing Futures project. This initiative has been instrumental in helping young individuals establish lucrative farming ventures, focusing on in-demand vegetables like French beans, cabbages, garden peas, and black nightshade (managu).
Africa Peas Market Trends
Rising Demand for Plant Protein Drives Pea Imports in Africa
The increasing demand for plant-based proteins is driving pea imports in Africa as consumers shift towards healthier, sustainable, and rich diets. Pea protein, valued for its high nutritional content and versatility, is increasingly used in meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, snacks, and nutritional supplements. This trend aligns with the preferences for pea protein due to its amino acid profile, allergen-friendly nature, and environmental benefits compared to animal proteins. Moreover, athletes, health-conscious individuals, and weight-conscious adults are the primary consumers of plant protein in the region. The rising demand for pea protein has led to increased imports of fresh peas in recent years. According to the ITC Trade Map, the import value of fresh peas in the region was observed at USD 131,738 thousand in the year 2022, which increased to USD 135,259 thousand in the year 2023. This growing demand among health-conscious consumers is likely to drive the market during the forecast period.
Africa’s population is projected to double by 2050, creating a greater demand for food products, including protein sources like peas. As the population grows, especially in urban areas, there is an increasing need for affordable, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare food items. As more Africans move to cities, their diets are shifting toward convenience foods, which often include processed legumes like peas in forms such as split peas, pea flour, or frozen peas. This dietary shift has increased demand for peas in packaged and processed forms, contributing to the acceleration of import demand.
While some African countries (such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania) produce peas, many others face challenges in meeting local demand due to factors like insufficient agricultural infrastructure, limited mechanization, and low yields. For instance, according to FAOSTAT, Ethiopia green pea yield was 6,127.3 kg/ha in 2021, which descreased by 6,091.7 kg/ha in 2022. Consequently, Ethiopia imports a significant portion of its pea requirements, primarily from major pea-producing countries such as Canada, Russia, and the United States.
South Africa Dominate the Pea Market
South Africa dominates pea production in Africa due to its favorable climate, established agricultural infrastructure, and efficient export system. The country has invested in large-scale pea farming, focusing on both green (garden) peas and field peas for food and export. South Africa's advanced farming practices and supportive agricultural policies have positioned it as the continent's leading pea producer. According to FAOSTAT, South Africa's pea production increased from 4.34 thousand metric tons in 2020 to 5.12 thousand metric tons in 2022.
South Africa is expanding its pea production to meet growing domestic and regional demand, driven by the rising popularity of plant-based diets and alternative protein sources. The country's climate, particularly in regions like the Western Cape, supports pea farming during winter months, enabling efficient production cycles. This production increase aims to reduce import dependency and support the expanding local market for plant-based food products.
Investment in agricultural technology and improved farming practices has enabled South African producers to achieve better yields and quality. Farmers are increasingly adopting techniques such as drip irrigation and pest-resistant crop varieties to maximize output and enhance resilience to climate challenges. Government support and collaboration with agricultural institutions are helping to optimize production practices and expand the agricultural area dedicated to pea crops.
Africa Peas Market News
- December 2023: Kenya planned to adopt the Chinese packaging concept to boost trade. The pack house facility providing packing space and cold storage serves startup and medium-scale exporters and importers of vegetables including fresh peas, herbs, fruits, and flowers.
- April 2022: Cargill has strategically expanded its RadiPure pea protein in the Middle East, Turkey, Africa (META), to meet consumer demand. This development by the company is going to boost the consumption and production of peas in Africa in the coming years.