Africa's top 15 agricultural exports drive trade growth in early 2026
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
Africa's agricultural exports are increasingly shaped by profitability, value addition, export diversification, and access to premium markets, rather than volume alone. In the first quarter of 2026, a select group of agricultural commodities accounted for the majority of foreign-exchange earnings across the continent. Cocoa, coffee, cashews, tobacco, olive oil, tea, cotton, sesame, sugar, and horticultural products were key drivers of export revenue. Nigeria's cocoa industry led with N596.9bn in export revenue, followed by Tanzania's cashew exports at $560m, and Ethiopia's coffee industry at $351m. Zimbabwe's tobacco sector generated $380m to $400m, while Kenya's tea exports reached approximately $320m. Tunisia's olive oil exports generated about $637m, demonstrating strong value performance. Ivory Coast maintained its position as a cocoa powerhouse, and Uganda's coffee industry produced $181m in export earnings. Madagascar's vanilla exports were estimated between $140m and $170m, and Senegal's groundnut industry generated CFA115bn to CFA130bn. Benin's cotton exports reached 74,011 tonnes, Togo's organic soybean exports generated $60m, and Somalia's livestock sector earned $250m to $270m. Eswatini's sugar industry generated about $68m, and Liberia's natural rubber exports were estimated at $60m to $65m. The African Development Bank's African Economic Outlook 2026 noted that agriculture and industry were primary drivers of the continent's growth in 2025, with agriculture contr
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Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu expressed his hope that his team's World Cup performance will inspire other Asian countries. This sentiment comes after Chinese football fans in Shanghai were observed celebrating Japan's 4-0 victory over Tunisia, despite historical political tensions between the two nations. Japan secured its place in the last 32 after a 1-1 draw with Sweden and is set to face Brazil next. Moriyasu stated that while his team represents Japan, they are also proud to represent Asia. He hopes their success can encourage other Asian teams and elevate the level of competition within the continent. Other Asian Football Confederation teams, including South Korea, Iran, and Australia, remain in contention in the tournament, while China did not qualify for the World Cup.
Must ReadHalima Mahdi, the Gombe State and North-East Zonal Coordinator of the Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All CSACEFA, has condemned the ongoing abduction of schoolchildren in Nigeria. She stated that these attacks on schools pose a significant threat to the future of education in the country. Mahdi's warning comes amidst a resurgence of insecurity, with a recent police report indicating 50 bandit attacks within one week. Pupils, students, and teachers abducted from schools in Borno and Oyo states remain in captivity. Public schools in Oyo State have been closed for about a month due to demands from the Nigerian Union of Teachers for adequate security measures. Mahdi emphasized that the persistent abductions are creating fear, discouraging access to education, and undermining efforts to improve school enrollment and learning outcomes. She warned of severe social and economic consequences if the safety of children and educational institutions is not guaranteed, highlighting the dangerous combination of rising out-of-school children and youth unemployment. Mahdi called on federal, state, and local authorities to intensify efforts to address insecurity, secure the release of abducted children, and prioritize protecting children and ensuring uninterrupted access to education.
Must ReadThe International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking highlights a growing global crisis, with approximately 316 million people worldwide using illicit drugs and 64 million suffering from drug use disorders. This increase is attributed to population growth, expanding synthetic drug markets, and sophisticated trafficking networks. Cannabis remains the most consumed illicit substance, while cocaine production has reached record levels. Synthetic drugs like methamphetamine and pharmaceutical opioids are also prevalent, particularly in West and Central Africa. Nigeria faces a particularly severe situation, with 14.3 million Nigerians, or 14.4 percent of the population aged 15 to 64, involved in drug abuse, nearly three times the global average. Cannabis is the most abused drug in Nigeria, with over 10 million users. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA seized drugs worth N134.2 billion in 2024, including a significant methamphetamine haul valued at $362.92 million N480 billion. A disturbing trend is the increasing involvement of women, who constitute one in four drug users in Nigeria. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of economic opportunities are key drivers of substance abuse. Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, emphasized that drug abuse is a multi-dimensional problem affecting public health, security, social stability, and economic productivity. Nigeria's strategic location as a transit point for international drug trafficking further exacerbates