Togo: Agricultural Exports Rise Modestly in 2023, Cocoa Surges as Cotton Slumps

Agriculture

Wednesday, 28 May 2025 12:00

Togo: Agricultural Exports Rise Modestly in 2023, Cocoa Surges as Cotton Slumps

(Togo First) - Togo’s agricultural exports reached CFA152.9 billion in 2023, marking a moderate increase of 2.5% compared to 2022, according to official data from the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) consulted by Togo First.

The year featured contrasting dynamics across sectors.

Cocoa emerged as the main driver, with raw bean export revenues surging 54.7% to CFA16.7 billion. Export volumes jumped 55.5%, from 8,357 to nearly 13,000 tonnes, despite a slight 0.5% drop in average selling prices.

In contrast, the cotton sector continued its decline. External sales of lint fell 32.1% in value to CFA19.1 billion, according to the BCEAO. The central bank attributed the drop to a growing disaffection among Togolese farmers, who shifted to more profitable crops such as soybeans. Overall, cotton exports dropped 27% to 16,511 tonnes.

Exports of plant-based food products, including oilseeds, cereals, flour, fruit, and vegetables, rose 8.2% to CFA109.1 billion. This segment remained the most dynamic, boosted by strong oilseed exports, which increased 9.6%, mainly to ECOWAS countries. Cereals and flour exports, however, fell sharply by 35.7%.

Agricultural raw materials such as cottonseed and wood exports dropped 26.2% to CFA2.9 billion. India, Burkina Faso, and Mali remained Togo’s main customers for these products.

Overall, Togo’s performance reflected mixed fortunes for cash and food crops. From 2019 to 2023, agricultural exports grew from 110 billion to nearly CFA153 billion, representing an average annual growth rate of about 8.41%, despite fluctuations in some years.

By Ayi Renaud Dossavi

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