At a Glance
- South Africa leads Africa’s export market with vehicles, minerals, and gems fueling advanced industries.
- Nigeria and Angola dominate hydrocarbons, while Morocco and Egypt push industrial and manufacturing exports.
- DRC’s cobalt and copper exports power clean-energy transition, strengthening Africa’s global trade relevance.
Africa’s export landscape tells the story of a continent both resource-rich and increasingly diversified.
From energy giants like Nigeria and Algeria, to agricultural powerhouses such as Côte d’Ivoire, Africa’s leading economies rely on exports not only as a revenue stream, but also as a driver of industrial policy, employment, and foreign exchange stability.
Collectively, the continent’s top exporters account for hundreds of billions of dollars in annual trade, underlining their critical role in global supply chains.
South Africa dominates with vehicles, minerals, and gems feeding advanced manufacturing and global markets.
Nigeria, Angola, and Libya underscore the continent’s deep dependence on hydrocarbons, while Morocco and Egypt highlight North Africa’s growing diversification into fertilizers, electrical machinery, and textiles.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo commands attention for its copper and cobalt exports, essential for the clean-energy transition.
Côte d’Ivoire and Tunisia round out the list, leveraging cocoa, cashews, and industrial goods to strengthen their export profiles.
As Africa advances regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), these top exporters are not just competing globally, but also shaping intra-African trade.
Their performance, ranked by Shore Africa, provides insights into where the continent’s growth momentum lies—and how innovation, resource management, and trade policy will define Africa’s place in the global economy.
1. South Africa — $110.7 billion
South Africa stands as Africa’s top exporter, with a portfolio that blends mineral wealth and advanced manufacturing. Vehicles, precious gems, and mineral fuels headline its trade, reflecting a dual strength in natural resources and industrial output. Exports to Europe and Asia remain vital, while government efforts to expand renewable energy minerals, such as platinum and manganese, highlight the country’s role in future-facing industries.
2. Nigeria — $60.7 billion
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, depends heavily on crude oil, petroleum gas, and gold for its export earnings. Hydrocarbons account for over 90 percent of foreign exchange revenues, underscoring the nation’s vulnerability to oil price swings. Yet, Nigeria is slowly diversifying—boosting agricultural exports like sesame and cashew nuts, while investments in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petrochemicals aim to broaden its revenue base.
3. Algeria — $56.8 billion
Algeria’s export story is defined by energy. Natural gas and crude oil dominate, supplying key European markets hungry for alternatives amid global energy realignments. The government has been investing in renewable projects and refining capacity, hoping to extend export revenues beyond hydrocarbons. For now, its dependence on energy exports remains the backbone of state finances.
4. Morocco — $42.5 billion
Morocco exemplifies diversification, with fertilizers, phosphates, and electrical machinery leading its export mix. Its role as the world’s top phosphate exporter gives it a strategic edge in global food security. Meanwhile, automotive manufacturing and aerospace parts have risen sharply, positioning Morocco as a hub for industrial exports to Europe. Free trade agreements and logistical infrastructure, such as Tanger Med port, bolster its export competitiveness.
5. Egypt — $42 billion
Egypt’s exports are anchored by crude oil, petroleum products, and textiles. Beyond hydrocarbons, Egypt’s large manufacturing sector supports regional trade, particularly in cement, fertilizers, and agricultural produce. The Suez Canal also remains a strategic enabler, indirectly supporting trade revenues. Recent government initiatives in green hydrogen and solar energy suggest a long-term strategy to capture emerging export markets.
6. Angola — $37.5 billion
Angola’s economy remains oil-dependent, with crude oil making up nearly 90 percent of exports. Diamonds and LNG add to its export base, though in smaller proportions. Ongoing reforms aim to stabilize the currency and attract foreign investment into agriculture and mining. With China as a dominant trade partner, Angola is working to balance export reliance by expanding ties with other markets.
7. Libya — $33.7 billion
Despite political instability, Libya retains its position as one of Africa’s major crude oil exporters. Oil accounts for nearly all of its export earnings, with production fluctuations tied closely to domestic conflict. International oil companies remain cautious, but Libya’s vast reserves ensure it continues to play a role in global supply. Diversification, however, remains distant.
8. Democratic Republic of Congo — $28.5 billion
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is central to the global energy transition. Copper and cobalt dominate its exports, fueling the world’s demand for electric vehicle batteries and renewable infrastructure. Diamonds add to its export basket, though governance challenges persist. Ongoing investments in infrastructure and mining reforms are aimed at maximizing export revenues while curbing illicit trade.
9. Tunisia — $20 billion
Tunisia’s exports highlight its manufacturing and agricultural base. Textiles and electrical equipment remain its leading trade items, supported by close ties to European markets. Olive oil, dates, and other agricultural products also play a role. Despite economic headwinds, Tunisia is leaning on innovation in renewable energy and industrial goods to strengthen export competitiveness.
10. Côte d’Ivoire — $18.4 billion
Côte d’Ivoire closes the list as West Africa’s agricultural powerhouse. The world’s top cocoa exporter, it also leads in cashew nuts while expanding petroleum product exports. Recent investments in processing aim to move the country up the value chain, ensuring more revenue stays domestically. Its agricultural base, coupled with growing industrial activity, makes it a standout in balancing traditional exports with forward-looking strategies.
