Morocco has further cemented its dominance in Africa’s prepared anchovy export market, accounting for nearly 85% of the continent’s shipments in 2024, according to a recent study by the consultancy firm IndexBox.
The North African nation recorded sales valued at $72 million (705 million dirhams), far surpassing its closest regional competitor, Tunisia, which exported $12 million (117 million dirhams) worth of prepared anchovies. In volume terms, Morocco shipped 7,800 tonnes — representing 87% of Africa’s total flow — while Tunisia exported just 1,200 tonnes.
Over the past decade, Morocco has achieved a steady average annual growth of 5% in the value of its anchovy exports, underscoring its ability to expand and sustain market share in this niche of the agro-industry.
Across the African continent, the consumption of prepared anchovies is projected to reach 144,000 tonnes by 2024, valued at approximately $941 million (9.2 billion dirhams). Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Egypt collectively account for nearly one-third of this demand, while Algeria, Tanzania, and Ethiopia lead in per capita consumption.
However, the study noted a slight decline in overall African production in 2024, dropping by 0.1% to 153,000 tonnes after more than a decade of uninterrupted growth. Morocco, alongside Nigeria and Ethiopia, remains among the continent’s top three producers, jointly contributing 31% of total production.
The report also revealed a significant surge in import prices, which rose by 53% year-on-year to $12,294 per tonne (120,500 dirhams). Price disparities were marked, with South Africa recording rates as high as 147,600 dirhams per tonne, compared with 48,900 dirhams in Mauritius.
Despite these fluctuations, Morocco continues to hold a competitive edge, consolidating its status as both a regional and global hub for the export of prepared anchovies.
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