UNLOCKING West Africa's superfood economy: the rise of fonio and tropical almonds

Talmond's tropical almond nursery

West Africa stands at the cusp of an agricultural transformation, fuelled by the growing global appreciation for its indigenous superfoods. Fonio and the tropical almond, celebrated for their nutritional richness and resilience, hold significant economic growth potential, poised to uplift local economies and contribute to a more sustainable global food system.

Fonio, the naturally gluten-free grain treasured in West Africa, is witnessing a surge in global demand. A projection by DataM Intelligence suggest that:

• The global fonio market, valued at approximately US$ 2.47 million in 2023, is projected to reach US$ 5.32 million by 2031, exhibiting a robust CAGR of 10.07% (2024-2031).

• Key importing nations in 2025 include:

  • Nigeria: About 10,000 metric tons

  • The United States: About 8,000 metric tons

  • France: About 6,000 metric tons

• Ghana's fonio production is also on the rise, estimated at 3,000 metric tons in 2023 and projected to reach 3,500 metric tons in 2024.

Fonio's impressive nutritional profile, rich in essential amino acids, fibre, and vital minerals, positions it as a preferred choice for health-conscious consumers globally.

Tropical almond nut split open to reveal kernel

While specific market data for tropical almonds is still developing, the broader tree nut and plant-based milk sectors indicate substantial growth potential.

For example, here is what 2025 almond imports are projected to be:

• The global almonds market is estimated at US$ 8.64 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.83% to reach US$ 11.48 billion by 2030.

This, therefore, is believed to be a significant driver in the increasing popularity of almond milk.

• In the US, almond milk sales reached US$ 1.55 billion in July 2024, showing strong year-on-year growth.

• Similarly, in Germany, almond milk held 18% of the plant-based milk market in 2023.

While tropical almonds differ from the commercial sweet almonds dominating these markets, the rising global demand for plant-based, nutrient-rich ingredients creates a valuable opportunity for underutilized varieties like tropical almonds to emerge as viable alternatives. Tropical almonds are abundant in protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, are ideally suited to capitalize on this growing demand for nutritious, plant-based alternatives.

Talmond's identification of 116 tropical almond varieties in Ghana, with 24 elite genotypes selected for cultivation, underscores the region's potential to establish a thriving local industry. The growth trajectory of both fonio and tropical almonds is deeply intertwined with the empowerment of local communities and the adoption of sustainable practices.

Talmond's commitment, demonstrated by sourcing fonio from over 1,000 women producers and partnering with 1,000 smallholder farmers to plant over 80,000 tropical almond trees, illustrates the tangible impact of investing in these indigenous resources. These initiatives generate meaningful employment in rural areas and promote climate-smart agriculture and biodiversity conservation. By prioritizing value addition and local processing, West Africa can evolve from a primary producer to a key player in the global market for these increasingly sought-after and nutritious ingredients.

Eager to explore the exciting potential of these African superfoods? Invest in Talmond today to be part of the first cycle of investors bringing the goodness of fonio and tropical almond to the world.