South Africa maintained a commanding lead with $31.12 billion in intra African exports in 2024/2025. [Photo Credit: File]
In Summary
- Intra African exports surpassed 18 percent of total African trade in 2025, supported by AfCFTA driven reforms and improved logistics corridors.
- South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria accounted for more than half of all regional export volumes based on 2024 and 2025 trade data.
- Manufactured goods, processed foods, automotive parts and textiles made up a rising share of exports, showing a shift away from raw commodity dependence.
- Stronger ports, industrial zones and cross border transport networks helped top ranked countries accelerate regional market integration and strengthen continental supply chains.
Deep Dive!!
Saturday, 29 November, 2025 – Africa’s intra continental trade landscape continues to shift as governments and private sectors push for deeper integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Rising regional demand, improved logistics corridors and gradual tariff harmonization have encouraged more countries to strengthen their export capacity within the continent. In 2025 the intra African export scene is shaped not just by raw commodities, but also by manufactured goods, agricultural products and emerging value-added sectors.
According to the latest 2024/2025 trade data from UNCTAD published in October 2025, Afreximbank and the African Trade Observatory show a clear trend. A handful of countries now dominate regional export flows by leveraging stronger industrial bases, more efficient ports and increasingly coordinated transport networks. Their performance highlights how competitive supply chains and strategic policy reforms directly influence cross border trade volumes across Africa.
This ranking of the top ten African countries with the highest intra African export volumes in 2025 offers a grounded view of where regional trade is growing fastest. It also shows how each country’s economic structure, export diversification and investment in logistics combine to determine its position. Together these leaders illustrate the progress and potential of a more connected African market.
Below are the fully developed sections. Each country has three sharp, professionally written paragraphs, grounded in 2024 and 2025 intra African export data from Afreximbank’s 2024 Intra-African Trade Report and supported by wider 2025 economic trends.
10. Tanzania ($3.24 billion)
Tanzania closes the top ten with intra African exports valued at $3.24 billion in 2024, reflecting steady growth supported by stronger links with EAC and SADC markets. The country’s export basket continues to feature gold, cotton, coffee, tobacco and a rising share of basic manufactured products. This upward trend aligns with Tanzania’s broader ambition to modernize its trade infrastructure and deepen regional integration.
A significant driver behind Tanzania’s performance is its expanding transport and logistics network. Theongoing upgrades of the Dar es Salaam portand new investments in the Central Corridor rail system have reduced shipping constraints and improved transit efficiency for goods headed to Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia and the DRC. These trade corridors have become essential channels for both agricultural and mineral exports.
As regional markets demand more processed goods, Tanzania has gradually expanded light manufacturing and agro-processing output, making its exports more competitive. The country’s ability to balance raw commodity shipments with emerging value added goods strengthens its long term position in intra African trade. This combination of infrastructure expansion and product diversification continues to lift Tanzania’s regional export footprint.
9. Namibia ($3.25 billion)
Namibia recorded $3.25 billion in intra African exports in 2024, driven chiefly by minerals, fish products, meat and processed foods. Although its population is small, Namibia remains one of the continent’s highest per capita exporters to regional markets. Its export orientation is shaped by strong historical ties with South Africa and shared economic networks within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
The country’s mining sector, including uranium, copper and diamonds, feeds into regional supply chains that link Namibia to processing centres across SADC. Namibia’s Walvis Bay port has also strengthened its role as a strategic gateway to southern and central African markets, offering a shorter route for shipments to Botswana, Zambia and the DRC. These logistics advantages continue to boost regional flows.
Namibia’s established livestock and fisheries sectors have long supplied southern African markets with beef, lamb, canned fish and fishmeal. As SADC food demand grows, Namibia’s stable sanitary standards and strong export certification systems keep its agricultural exports competitive. Together, these strengths position Namibia as a consistent regional supplier.
8. Morocco ($3.02 billion)
Morocco recorded $3.02 billion in intra African exports in 2024, supported by phosphates, fertilizers, manufactured goods and processed foods. The country’s leading position in global phosphate production allows it to supply fertilizer dependent agricultural markets across West and Central Africa. This commodity continues to anchor Morocco’s regional trade flows.
Rising industrial output in automotive components, textiles, electrical products and construction materials has broadened Morocco’s export base to African markets. The country’s industrial free zones in Tangier, Kenitra and Casablanca provide competitive platforms for companies targeting continental markets. Exporters also benefit from Morocco’s strong trade diplomacy and investment projects across the Sahel and West Africa.
Improved logistics infrastructure, particularly theTanger Med Port, has further increased cargo efficiency and reduced shipping times to African destinations. Combined with growing partnerships in manufacturing and food processing, Morocco’s strategic location and industrial strength continue to sustain its presence among Africa’s top intra African exporters.
7. Kenya ($3.90 billion)
Kenya’s intra African exports reached $3.90 billion in 2024, reflecting its diversified export structure in agriculture, processed foods and manufactured goods. Tea, vegetables, cement, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals and re exports through Mombasa form the backbone of Kenya’s regional trade. The continued growth of light manufacturing adds momentum to this export base.
Mombasa Port remains East Africa’s busiest maritime hub, enabling Kenya to serve markets in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the DRC. Goods moving through the Northern Corridor benefit from ongoing logistics digitization and customs harmonization under the EAC. These improvements have helped Kenyan exporters reduce delivery times and expand volumes.
Kenya’s horticulture and agro processing industries have maintained strong market penetration across the region, meeting rising demand for packaged foods, edible oils and household essentials. As EAC production chains grow more integrated, Kenya’s expanding industrial output positions it as one of the region’s most reliable suppliers.
6. Côte d’Ivoire ($4.36 billion)
Côte d’Ivoire reached $4.36 billion in intra African exports in 2024, anchored by refined petroleum, edible oils, cocoa derivatives and manufactured consumer goods. Its sophisticated processing sector converts raw cocoa, palm oil and crude oil into higher value products for regional markets. These exports supply food, energy and manufacturing needs across West Africa.
A major strength of Côte d’Ivoire’s trade structure is its large refining and agro processing capacity. The country exports significant volumes of fuel, soaps, margarine and chocolate based products to landlocked neighbours like Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. These value-added exports continue to outperform traditional primary commodities in regional markets.
Infrastructure improvements around Abidjan Port and the northern transport corridor have supported faster trade flows. As ECOWAS economies expand, Côte d’Ivoire’s mix of industrial goods and processed foods ensures durable demand for its exports. This has helped reinforce its role as a West African trade powerhouse.
5. Ghana ($4.82 billion)
Ghana recorded $4.82 billion in intra African exports in 2024, led by cocoa products, gold, minerals, processed foods and fertilizers. Ghana’s agro industrial sector has grown more competitive, supplying chocolate, canned foods, vegetable oils and beverages to West African markets. These processed exports strengthen the country’s value addition strategy.
Ghana has benefited from rising regional demand for fertilizers and industrial raw materials used in agriculture and manufacturing. Exports of urea, ammonia derivatives and other upstream inputs continue to expand within ECOWAS. Its well developed port infrastructure, particularly Tema Port, supports consistent trade flows into landlocked markets.
Policy support for manufacturing under the One District One Factory initiative has increased the number of local producers exporting within Africa. As Ghana grows its industrial base, its intra African export performance has become more diversified and resilient, allowing it to remain a leading West African exporter.
4. Democratic Republic of the Congo ($7.19 billion)
The DRC posted US$7.19 billion in intra African exports in 2024, driven overwhelmingly by minerals including copper, cobalt, gold and other bulk commodities. These raw materials support energy, battery manufacturing and metal processing industries across the continent. The DRC’s mineral dominance ensures a consistent flow of inputs to neighbouring countries.
A large share of DRC exports enters nearby markets through cross border routes into Zambia, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. Much of this trade consists of semi processed minerals destined for further refining or export. Despite logistical challenges, these regional flows remain strong due to global mineral demand and regional processing needs.
Infrastructure programs around border posts and transport corridors have supported recent improvements in export movement. Although the DRC’s export basket remains concentrated, its minerals remain critical for Africa’s energy transition and industrialization, sustaining its high regional export ranking.
3. Angola ($7.29 billion)
Angola’s intra African export value reached $7.29 billion in 2024, supported by hydrocarbons, refined petroleum products and mining sector outputs. As fuel demand rises across Africa, Angola has expanded supply to neighbouring countries through stable bilateral and regional trade arrangements.
The country’s large refining investments have enabled greater production of fuel, lubricants and industrial oils for regional markets. These exports play a vital role in powering transport, manufacturing and energy sectors across southern and central Africa. Angola’s mineral exports, including diamonds and metals, also contribute to its strong regional trade footprint.
Commodity price recovery in 2024 further boosted export values and incentivized higher production. As Angola strengthens industrial capacity under its economic diversification plans, its intra African shipments are expected to grow beyond oil, reinforcing its strategic position in regional trade.
2. Egypt ($7.58 billion)
Egypt recorded $7.58 billion in intra African exports in 2024, powered by chemicals, fertilizers, machinery parts, plastics and processed food products. As one of Africa’s most diversified industrial economies, Egypt exports a wide range of intermediate and finished goods that support manufacturing and agriculture across the continent.
Fertilizer exports remain a major driver of Egypt’s regional trade due to high demand from East and West African agricultural sectors. Egyptian engineering products, building materials and household goods also maintain strong market presence across the continent. Active trade missions and bilateral agreements have strengthened Egypt’s access to Sub Saharan markets.
Logistics improvements in theSuez Canal Economic Zoneand Alexandria Port continue to enhance export efficiency. As demand for industrial and agricultural inputs grows, Egypt’s broad manufacturing base ensures it remains one of Africa’s top intra African exporters.
1. South Africa ($31.12 billion)
South Africa maintained a commanding lead with $31.12 billion in intra African exports in 2024/2025, far surpassing all other African economies. Its diverse export mix includes machinery, vehicles, chemicals, metals, food products and a wide range of manufactured goods. South Africa’s industrial capacity and advanced manufacturing base anchor its dominant regional trade position.
SADC remains the largest destination for South African exports, absorbing vehicles, machinery, refined petroleum, processed foods and steel products. The country’s role as a supplier of higher value industrial inputs allows it to support manufacturing and construction across the region. Well integrated regional value chains link South African factories to African distributors and producers.
World class logistics infrastructure, including Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg’s freight networks, ensures efficient export movement across the continent. With a manufacturing sector unmatched in scale and sophistication, South Africa retains its leadership as Africa’s top intra African exporter.
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