Intra-African agricultural trade has reached an unprecedented $17 billion, surpassing its previous high from 2013, according to the latest Africa Agriculture Trade Monitor.
Released during a hybrid event in Kigali on August 29, the report evaluates trade performance amid challenges like climate change, water use, and carbon emissions. It also examines how trade interacts with climate change, focusing on the carbon footprint of agricultural production and transportation, water content in traded goods, and the impact of climate stress on agricultural yields.
The data shows that trade values surged from $5.4 billion in 2003 to $16.1 billion by 2013. Despite a subsequent decline, the trade value rebounded to $17 billion in 2022.
The report also indicated that the distribution of intra-African agricultural trade by product categories has shifted moderately over time. Cash crops such as coffee, tea, sugar, and tobacco remain prominent, consistently accounting for over 20 percent of intra-African agricultural exports.
Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA, highlighted the importance of focusing trade on areas that add value to food systems while being mindful of environmental limitations.
Globally, Africa is a major player in markets for exports like cotton, cocoa, coffee, tea, and tobacco. Conversely, cereals, sugar and confectionery, as well as fats and oils, are significant imports for the continent.
