India remains the undisputed powerhouse of the global rice trade. Despite fluctuating export policies and global supply chain disruptions, India continues to account for over 40% of the world's rice exports. For Indian exporters, the African continent is not just a market; it is the lifeline of the non-basmati trade.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the latest export data, analyzes the top African destinations, and provides a detailed list of major importers to help you connect with the right buyers.
1. The Numbers: India’s Export Power (2024-25 Data)
According to the latest data from the Department of Commerce and trade intelligence platforms, India’s rice export performance remains robust:
Total Rice Exports: ~20.1 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT)
Total Value: ~$12.95 Billion
Key Growth: While Basmati rice drives value in the Middle East, Non-Basmati rice drives volume in Africa.
The "Parboiled" Preference: West African nations are the world's largest buyers of Indian Parboiled Rice (specifically 5% and 100% broken grades), preferred for its lower cost and longer shelf life.
Top 5 African Importers of Indian Rice (By Volume)
Benin: The largest entry point for West Africa. Imports ~1.5 - 1.8 MMT annually.
Senegal: A massive market for 100% Broken Rice (used in their national dish, Thieboudienne). Imports ~1.3 MMT annually.
Côte d'Ivoire: Consistent buyer of parboiled and long-grain white rice.
Togo: A key re-export hub for neighboring landlocked countries.
Guinea: High demand for parboiled rice.
2. Directory of Major African Rice Importers
Below is a detailed list of the top buying companies in these key nations.
> Note: This list compiles publicly available trade data and corporate directories. Contact details can change; always verify before sending official corporate offers.
A. Senegal 🇸🇳
Senegal is a critical market for 100% Broken White Rice.
| Company Name | Profile & Details |
| Comptoir Commercial Mandiaye Ndiaye (CCMN) | One of Senegal's largest historic rice importers. Location: Dakar, Senegal Contact: +221 77 638 2970 Email: ccmndiaye@yahoo.fr |
| Comptoir Commercial du Sénégal (CCS) | Major importer of building materials and food commodities. Website: www.ccs.sn Email: info@ccs.sn Phone: +221 33 849 04 04 |
| COSEDI (Cie Sénégalaise de Distribution) | A leading distribution group for agro-food products. Website: www.cosedi.sn Email: contact@cosedi.sn Address: Route du Service Géographique, Hann Équipe, Dakar |
| Arimex SARL | Consistently ranks among top 5 importers by volume for Indian broken rice. Location: Rue Petersen, Dakar |
| Groupe Bocar Samba Dieye | Owned by one of Senegal’s most famous businessmen, this group is a giant in the rice and foodstuff trade. |
B. Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) 🇨🇮
A major hub for Long Grain Parboiled Rice.
| Company Name | Profile & Details |
| Distribution Sako & Fils (DSF) | Large importer of rice and general merchandise. Website: www.distributionsakoetfils-ci.com Email: info@distributionsakoetfils-ci.com Phone: (+225) 27 23 532 755 |
| SONAM (Société de Négoce Afrique et Monde) | Major trading house dealing in rice and sugar. Website: www.sonamafrica.com Email: sushil@sonamafrica.com Phone: (+225) 21 352 800 |
| CIC - CI (Compagnie d'Investissements Céréalières) | Specializes in cereal and grain imports. Website: www.cic-global.com Email: info@cic.ci Phone: (+225) 20 321 622 |
| ETS Kouma et Frères | Established importer in Treichville, Abidjan. Phone: (+225) 21 242 722 |
| El Nasr Export & Import Co. (Abidjan Branch) | The Ivorian branch of the massive Egyptian trading state company. Email: nsrabidjan@elnasrexpimp.com Phone: (+225) 21 24 10 07 |
C. Benin 🇧🇯
Benin acts as a gateway; much of its imported rice finds its way into Nigeria (informally) and landlocked nations like Niger.
| Company Name | Profile & Details |
| Ste United Tradex SARL | Frequent importer of Indian non-basmati rice varieties. Location: Cotonou, Benin |
| ATC Trading SARL | Large volume buyer located in Abomey-Calavi. |
| GNS Trading SARL | Location: Sike, Cotonou. Frequent bulk buyer. |
| Hal Impex Benin SARL | Active importer listed in multiple trade shipments for 2024. |
D. The "Big Three" Multi-Nationals
These global giants have their own procurement offices in India but dominate the distribution networks across Africa.
Olam Agri
Reach: Massive presence in Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Senegal.
Website: www.olamagri.com
Contact: sustainability@olamagri.com / media@olamnet.com
Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC)
Reach: One of the top 3 private rice traders globally. Major supplier to West Africa.
Website: www.ldc.com (Look for their "Rice Platform" page).
Stallion Group
Reach: The dominant player in Nigeria and Ghana. They own massive rice mills but are also huge importers.
Website: www.stalliongroup.com
Email: contact@stalliongroup.com
3. How to Approach These Buyers
Know Your Grade:
Senegal: Pitch 100% Broken White Rice (Sortexed).
Nigeria/Ghana Markets: Pitch Long Grain Parboiled Rice (Sortexed).
Send a Corporate Offer (SCO): Do not send a "Hi, I sell rice" email. Send a formal Soft Corporate Offer including:
Origin: (e.g., Andhra / Chhattisgarh / West Bengal)
Specs: (Moisture <14%, Broken %, Admixture %)
Payment Terms: LC (Letter of Credit) is the standard for safe trade in Africa. Never work on DA/DP (Documents against Acceptance) with new African buyers.
Verification: Always ask for their Tax ID (IFU Number in Benin/Cote d'Ivoire) to verify they are a registered importer.
Disclaimer: This blog is for information purposes only. Export regulations and company contact details can change. Always verify the buyer's credibility and secure your payments via ECGC insurance or confirmed LC.