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Agro Trade in Africa: What You Need to Know in 2025

by Generic H2 (Embedded) on August 15, 2025

Agro Trade in Africa: What You Need to Know in 2025
🌍 1. Africa’s Agro Trade Landscape — 2025 Snapshot

In 2025, Africa’s agricultural imports are estimated at around $40.8 billion, while exports stand at $20.5 billion. The total agri-sector value is projected at $189 billion.
According to Afreximbank forecasts, the sector could reach $1 trillion by 2030, driven by urbanization, new technologies, and surging food demand.

🇿🇦 2. Key African Exporters & Importers

South Africa

Exported $3.36 billion in agro products in Q1 2025 (+10% YoY).

Imported $1.94 billion in the same period (+19%), generating a $1.42 billion trade surplus.

Main exports: corn, sugar, fruit juices, wine, sunflower oil, and grains.

Export destinations: 45% Africa, 23% EU, 16% Asia & MENA.

Nigeria

The African Development Bank is investing $2.2 billion in special agro-processing zones across 28 states to cut the country’s $4.7 billion annual food import bill.

Dangote is scaling fertilizer production to reduce Africa’s reliance on 6+ million tonnes of imported fertilizers each year.

📊 3. Buyer Trends & Market Drivers in 2025

Rapid Import Growth

Africa’s food imports could reach $110 billion by the end of 2025, driven by population growth, urban migration, and higher demand for grains and edible oils.

Trade Zone Expansion

Agreements like AfCFTA and TFTA are lowering tariffs, expected to boost intra-African trade by 29%, making cross-border agri-trade easier.

Infrastructure Challenges

Weak storage, transport, and port facilities cause major post-harvest losses.

In East & Central Africa, droughts and soil degradation are cutting yields by up to 50%.

Sustainability Pressures

New EU deforestation regulations may force small cocoa exporters in Côte d’Ivoire out of business due to $0.36/kg compliance costs.

Global Trade Policy Uncertainty

The U.S. has shifted from aid to trade, but Trump-era tariffs and potential AGOA suspension create risk.

South Africa fears 30% tariffs on citrus and other agricultural exports.

📈 4. Summary — Agro Trade in Africa (2025)

South Africa — Export focus: corn, sunflower oil, sugar, fruits, beverages. Import needs: fertilizers, agricultural machinery, specialty foods.

Nigeria — Export focus: palm oil, cassava, yams (mainly for domestic consumption). Import needs: grains, dairy products, edible oils.

Egypt & Kenya — Minor agricultural exporters, but major importers of wheat, vegetable oils, and rice.

Côte d’Ivoire — Export focus: cocoa, coffee, palm oil. Import needs: processing technology and equipment.

About This Blog Post

This blog post is published by Generic H2 (Embedded), an active participant on our trading platform. The content reflects company insights, product knowledge, or market trends relevant to their industry. Articles like this one help boost SEO visibility and offer valuable information for future visitors and potential partners.