Top Agricultural Imports Shaping Africa's Trade Landscape

Africa's major agricultural imports are predominantly products for which the continent does not possess a revealed comparative advantage (RCA), therefore imports are substantially depended upon. 

According to the Africa Agriculture Trade Monitor (AATM) Report 2024, the top ten imported agricultural product categories account for 81% of Africa’s total agricultural imports. Cereals, animal or vegetable fats and oils, along with sugars and sugar confectionery, make up over 50% of the imports. 

The heavily reliance upon imports highlights Africa’s increasing challenge in meeting rising domestic demand, which is driven by income growth, demographic shifts, and urbanization.

The report states, "Africa continues to play a significant role in global markets, accounting for 20% of global cereal imports and 14% of sugar and sugar confectionery imports. Oilseeds and oleaginous fruits, which represent 4% of Africa's agricultural import bill, are experiencing rapid growth, with a nearly 18% annual increase."

Based on the AATM 2024 database, the authors have calculated that the top 10 major agricultural import commodities in Africa from 2018 to 2022 are ranked according to their average annual growth rates. They consist of the following: 

1. Cereals
2. Animal or vegetable fats and oils
3. Sugars and sugar confectionery
4. Dairy produce, eggs, and honey
5. Meat and edible meat offal

6. Preparations of cereals, flour, starch, or milk

7. Miscellaneous edible preparations

8. Tobacco and manufactured tobacco

9. Beverages, spirits, and vinegar

10. Oilseeds and oleaginous fruits

With a ever increasing demand for imported products, why not showcase your products at Africa's largest professional F&B trade exhibition - Food and Beverage West Africa exhibition, taking place 10th - 12th June 2025 at the Landmark Centre, VI, Lagos, Nigeria. 

To Book a Stand at the upcoming FAB West Africa Exhibition, Click Here