In 2024, Russia’s agricultural exports to Africa rose by 19% to over $7 billion, according to a statement released by the state center Agroexport. Several African countries accounted for a significant chunk of said exports.
- Business Insider Africa presents the top 5 largest Russian food markets in Africa and their recent export change.
- Data from this list is courtesy of Interfax Information Services Group.
- Kenya ranks number 1 on the list.
Very recently, a report showed that Russian agricultural exports to Africa are expected to reach over $7 billion in 2024, up 19% from 2023, according to experts.
Grain crops, wheat, barley, and corn make up the majority of Russia’s agricultural exports to Africa, making up early 87% of the total supply in terms of value.
African nations are also among the major consumers of meat, fish, and items containing fat and oil. Dairy product shipments increased significantly in 2024.
45 countries over the continent received domestic food goods. However, some countries, such as Egypt, received a significantly larger amount of Russian food exports in value terms in the period under review.
The North African country is a leading importer of Russian wheat, sunflower and soybean oil, legumes, flax seeds, molasses, yeast, and other products.
Currently, Africa accounts for half of the Russian wheat market, demonstrating the continent’s strategic importance in Moscow’s agricultural export policy.
The reliance on Russian wheat has increased due to several causes, including Africa’s growing population, the demand for inexpensive food supplies, and the competitive price of Russian agricultural commodities.
Furthermore, Russia has aggressively strengthened trade partnerships with African countries, assuring a consistent supply of key food items in the face of global geopolitical concerns.
Given that Moscow has prioritized Africa in its global trade strategy, it is projected that Russia’s agricultural exports to the continent will continue to increase.
With that said, here are the 5 African markets that import the largest amount of Russian food, and how much more they imported during the year, as seen on Interfax.
According to Interfax, Algeria, up 1.5% in value terms; Libya, down 18%; Kenya, up 33%; and Tunisia, up 28%, Egypt 21%.
Top 5 largest Russian food markets in Africa and their recent value change
| Rank | Counrty | Import % increase in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kenya | 33% |
| 2. | Tunisia | 28% |
| 3. | Egypt | 21% |
| 4. | Algeria | 1.5% |
| 5. | Libya | -18% |
