Africa’s top 15 agro-exports driving trade growth

Africa's agricultural export sector is increasingly driven by profitability and value addition, with a select group of commodities significantly shaping national balance sheets and attracting global capital. The focus is shifting from mere volume to factors like value addition, export diversification, and access to premium markets.

According to first-quarter 2026 trade data, Nigeria's superior quality cocoa beans emerged as the continent's most valuable agricultural export, generating N596.9 billion. Tanzania followed with strong cashew exports, earning $560 million, underscoring its growing role in global nut supply chains. Ethiopia secured third place with $351 million in coffee exports, reaffirming its status as Africa's leading coffee producer.

Zimbabwe's tobacco sector ranked fourth, with exports generating between $380 million and $400 million, maintaining its position as Africa's largest exporter of flue-cured tobacco. Kenya's tea exports brought in over KSh41.5 billion (approximately $320 million), remaining the country's largest agricultural foreign-exchange earner. Tunisia demonstrated strong value performance with approximately $637 million in olive oil exports, boosted by a record harvest and robust shipments.

Other key agricultural exports driving trade growth across Africa's five regions include cotton, sesame, sugar, and horticultural products. These commodities are crucial for foreign-exchange earnings and highlight the continent's diverse agricultural potential and its increasing integration into global markets. The data suggests a trend towards higher-value agricultural products and strategic market access.