Nigeria alone imports approximately $340 million of tomato paste and puree annually, predominantly from China and Italy, despite being a major tomato-growing country. The paradox reflects a structural failure: Nigeria's smallholder tomato farmers in Kano, Kaduna, and Bauchi States produce high-quality fresh tomatoes, but post-harvest losses exceed 50 percent due to poor storage and lack of processing capacity. Without processing, seasonal gluts crash farm-gate prices to below the cost of production.
Processing Investment Response
Dangote Group's Obajana tomato processing plant, with 800 tonne daily capacity, began operations in 2016 but has faced recurring operational challenges related to farmer supply consistency. The federal government's tomato production cluster programme, centred in Kano State, aims to build integrated production and processing zones with irrigation, input supply, and processing in close proximity. Chi Group (owned by Coca-Cola) processes tomato products from its Sagamu facility. Similar dynamics apply in Ghana, where Rothamsted Research is supporting improved tomato varieties. Food processors and traders in West Africa's tomato value chain can find market and supply contacts on intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.