We believe in Africa’s potential and we act on it.

Food Security and Economic Development: Our Commitment to African Agro-Industry

The African agri-food sector is a key industry both for Elma Group and for the continent’s overall development. This sector is central to food security and economic growth in Africa, which boasts a vast agricultural potential with 1.3 billion hectares of agricultural land, including nearly 252 million hectares of arable land6. Cereals such as maize, rice, wheat, sorghum, and millet form the staple diet of millions across the continent. The cereal market in Africa is particularly dynamic and growing rapidly. For instance, in Sub-Saharan Africa, maize is the most consumed cereal, with imports expected to reach 4.7 million tonnes in the 2024/2025 season, marking one of the highest import levels since 2013/2014. Wheat is also heavily imported, especially in West Africa where Nigeria, the main regional producer, relies on imports for 95% of its needs despite a projected 13% increase in local production for 2025/2026. In Senegal, cereal harvests exceeded 4 million tonnes in 2023/2024, showing a 9.5% growth compared to the previous year, reflecting steady progress in local production. .

African Agri-Food: A Key Sector for Our Holding and the Continent

In this context, our company Matcoen plays a crucial role by sourcing the best agri-food products at the best prices. We ensure efficient distribution of these products within the African market while also facilitating the export of African products to international markets, thus helping to enhance the continent’s agricultural wealth. This dual approach not only meets the growing food demands of African populations but also strengthens Africa’s presence in global trade.

Through Matcoen, we cover the whole of Africa in terms of agri-food exports and imports.

Matcoen leverages deep expertise in cereal and agri-food markets to optimize supply chains, reduce costs, and guarantee product quality. Thanks to our extensive network and thorough understanding of local specificities, we provide tailored solutions to the sector’s challenges while supporting sustainable development and food security in Africa.

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