Soybean production in Africa has been steadily growing, driven by the continent’s rising demand for protein-rich foods, livestock feed, and vegetable oil. While Africa is not yet a global leader in soybean production, several countries and companies are making significant strides in cultivating and processing soybeans to support domestic industries and exports. This report explores the largest soybean producers in Africa, their operations, and their contributions to the agricultural economy.

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Top Soybean-Producing Countries in Africa

Africa’s soybean production is concentrated in a few key countries, including:

1. South Africa
   • South Africa is the largest soybean producer in Africa, contributing significantly to the continent’s total output.
   • Key regions include Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Free State.
   • The country has a robust processing industry, with significant investments in soybean crushing facilities.
2. Nigeria
   • Nigeria is Africa’s second-largest producer of soybeans.
   • Major producing regions include Benue, Kaduna, and Taraba.
   • Soybeans are used primarily for poultry feed and vegetable oil production.
3. Zambia
   • Zambia has rapidly expanded its soybean production in recent years.
   • The Copperbelt and Central provinces are key growing areas.
   • Soybeans are a critical component of Zambia’s livestock feed industry.
4. Malawi
   • Malawi produces soybeans as a key cash crop, with farmers benefiting from export opportunities.
   • Key producing regions include the Central and Southern regions.
   • Soybeans are used for oil extraction and livestock feed.
5. Ethiopia
   • Ethiopia is a growing soybean producer, with production concentrated in the western regions.
   • Soybeans are used for food products, animal feed, and exports.

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Largest Soybean-Producing Companies in Africa

1. Senwes Grain (South Africa)

• Headquarters: Klerksdorp, South Africa
• Overview: Senwes is a leading agribusiness involved in soybean production, processing, and marketing.
• Key Highlights:
  • Operates soybean farms and processing facilities.
  • Supplies soybeans for feed and oil industries.
  • Invests in advanced agricultural technologies.

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2. Tiger Brands (South Africa)

• Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa
• Overview: Tiger Brands is one of Africa’s largest food producers, heavily reliant on soybean derivatives.
• Key Highlights:
  • Uses soybeans for oil and processed food production.
  • Collaborates with local farmers to secure soybean supplies.
  • Focuses on sustainability in the supply chain.

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3. Olam Agri (Nigeria)

• Headquarters: Lagos, Nigeria
• Overview: Olam Agri is a significant player in Nigeria’s soybean industry, focusing on farming and processing.
• Key Highlights:
  • Operates soybean farms and crushing plants.
  • Supplies soybeans for poultry feed and vegetable oil.
  • Supports smallholder farmers through training and resources.

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4. Zambeef Products Plc (Zambia)

• Headquarters: Lusaka, Zambia
• Overview: Zambeef is a major agribusiness integrating soybean production with livestock operations.
• Key Highlights:
  • Produces soybeans for feed and oil production.
  • Focuses on vertical integration to optimize operations.
  • Committed to sustainable farming practices.

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5. Farmers World (Malawi)

• Headquarters: Lilongwe, Malawi
• Overview: Farmers World is a key player in Malawi’s soybean farming and distribution.
• Key Highlights:
  • Operates soybean farms and provides inputs to smallholder farmers.
  • Supplies soybeans for domestic processing and export.
  • Focuses on improving yields through modern agricultural techniques.

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6. Amhara Agricultural Corporation (Ethiopia)

• Headquarters: Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
• Overview: A state-run organization driving soybean farming in Ethiopia.
• Key Highlights:
  • Supports smallholder farmers with seeds and training.
  • Focuses on expanding soybean cultivation in western Ethiopia.
  • Supplies soybeans for local processing and export.

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7. NWK Limited (South Africa)

• Headquarters: Lichtenburg, South Africa
• Overview: NWK Limited is an agribusiness supporting soybean farming and trade.
• Key Highlights:
  • Provides agricultural inputs and markets soybeans.
  • Operates in key soybean-producing regions.
  • Focuses on building farmer partnerships.

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8. Export Trading Group (ETG) (Africa-Wide)

• Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
• Overview: ETG operates across Africa, sourcing soybeans from multiple countries.
• Key Highlights:
  • Facilitates soybean trade and export from African countries.
  • Works with farmers to aggregate high-quality soybeans.
  • Supplies global markets with African soybeans.

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9. AGDEVCO (Zambia & Malawi)

• Headquarters: Lusaka, Zambia
• Overview: AGDEVCO is a social impact agribusiness investing in soybean production.
• Key Highlights:
  • Provides financing and training to soybean farmers.
  • Operates in Zambia and Malawi to boost soybean yields.
  • Supports export-oriented soybean production.

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10. ProSeed Co. (Nigeria)

• Headquarters: Abuja, Nigeria
• Overview: ProSeed Co. is a growing agribusiness focusing on soybean seed production and farming.
• Key Highlights:
  • Develops high-yield soybean seed varieties.
  • Works with smallholder farmers to expand cultivation.
  • Supplies soybeans to the feed and oil industries.

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Contributions of Africa’s Soybean Industry

1. Food Security: Soybeans are a vital source of protein for Africa’s growing population.
2. Economic Impact: The soybean industry provides income for smallholder farmers and rural communities.
3. Global Trade: African soybeans are gaining traction in global markets, particularly in Asia.

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Challenges Facing Africa’s Soybean Industry

• Low Yields: Limited access to high-yield seed varieties and modern farming techniques.
• Climate Risks: Unpredictable weather patterns affect production.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Inadequate storage and transportation facilities hinder market access.

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Opportunities for Growth

• Export Expansion: Increasing exports to Asia, particularly China and Southeast Asia.
• Technology Adoption: Leveraging precision agriculture to boost productivity.
• Value-Added Products: Expanding production of soybean-based foods and biodiesel.

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Conclusion

Africa’s largest soybean producers, including Senwes, Olam Agri, and Zambeef, are driving the continent’s soybean industry forward. By investing in innovation, sustainability, and market expansion, these companies are transforming Africa into a competitive player in the global soybean market. With continued support for farmers and strategic investments, Africa’s soybean industry has the potential for significant growth.

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