The bulk of food traded between countries in West Africa – nearly 78% – travels by truck, a new report reveals, yet much of this commerce remains unrecorded, highlighting a significant opportunity to boost regional trade and food security. The findings, published in September 2025 by the Sahel and West Africa Club (SWAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), underscore the dynamism of cross-border traders and the demand to address barriers hindering official recognition of this vital economic activity. Understanding how intra-regional food trade in West Africa functions is crucial, especially as regional demand for food products is projected to surge.
The report, titled “Intra-regional Food Trade in West Africa: New Evidence, New Perspectives,” details the scale of this often “invisible” trade. Large-scale operations, utilizing trucks with capacities of 35 tons (10- to 22-wheel trucks) account for almost 90% of the total volume, valued at around $10 billion annually. A smaller, but still significant, portion – roughly 9% – is handled by smaller trucks capable of transporting 17 tons of goods (6- to 8-wheel trucks). This reliance on trucking demonstrates the adaptability of traders responding to market demands across borders.
Regional Trade Corridors and Key Commodities
This trade isn’t random; it flows along established regional corridors. The routes between Dakar-Bamako (1,360 km), Abidjan-Lagos (1,000 km), and Niamey-Lomé (1,000 km) are particularly active, facilitating the movement of goods to growing urban markets. The report highlights specific examples of this dynamic. During the off-season, for instance, up to 90% of the tomatoes sold in Tamale, northern Ghana, originate in Burkina Faso. Similarly, the onion sector is heavily reliant on imports from neighboring countries.
This pattern isn’t limited to tomatoes and onions. The OECD’s work builds on decades of observation of food systems in the Sahel region. The Sahel and West Africa Club was initially founded after the devastating 1968-1973 drought, focusing on cooperation between Sahelian states and OECD members to address food security and long-term economic growth, as noted in Wikipedia. Over time, the club’s focus expanded to encompass broader sustainable development goals, including regional integration and peace, aligning with the policies of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Projected Growth and the Need to Reduce Barriers
Looking ahead, regional demand for food in West Africa is expected to dramatically increase, reaching $480 billion by 2030, compared to $126 billion in 2010. These existing traders are poised to continue playing a central role in moving staple products between exporting and importing nations. However, realizing this potential requires addressing significant obstacles. Numerous studies, including one published in May 2023 by the French Centre for Prospective Studies and International Information (CEPII), point to the need to reduce non-tariff barriers.
These non-tariff barriers often take the form of multiple checkpoints and informal levies along major road networks. According to the CEPII report, eliminating these practices could generate an additional $19 million annually in the corn sector, with $13.4 million going directly to producers. In the onion sector, the potential gains are even greater – an estimated $48.4 million annually, including $33.4 million for producers. These figures demonstrate the substantial economic benefits of streamlining trade processes.
The Role of the OECD/SWAC
The OECD/SWAC plays a key role in facilitating this process. As outlined on the OECD website, the club promotes regional policies aimed at improving the economic and social well-being of people in the Sahel and West Africa. Their research, like the recent report on intra-regional food trade, provides crucial data and insights for policymakers seeking to foster greater regional integration and food security.
The dominance of trucking in West African food trade isn’t simply a logistical detail; it’s a reflection of a vibrant, adaptable, and largely undocumented economic engine. Addressing the non-tariff barriers that hinder this trade is not just an economic imperative, but a crucial step towards strengthening food security and promoting sustainable development across the region. The next step will be the implementation of policy recommendations stemming from the OECD/SWAC report, with a focus on harmonizing regulations and reducing bureaucratic hurdles along key trade corridors.
What are your thoughts on the challenges and opportunities facing intra-regional trade in West Africa? Share your comments below, and let’s continue the conversation.
