Russia significantly increased its agricultural exports to Africa during the first half of 2026, as growing shipments of wheat and other food commodities strengthened the country’s position in African food markets.
Russian agricultural exports to the continent reached approximately US$2.9 billion between January and June 2026, representing a 35% increase in value compared with the same period in 2025.
Export volumes also increased by 40% to more than 11 million tonnes, according to figures reported by TV BRICS.
The growth highlights Russia’s expanding role in Africa’s food supply, particularly in grain markets where several countries depend heavily on imported wheat.
Wheat Dominates Russia-Africa Agricultural Trade
Wheat remained by far Russia’s largest agricultural export to Africa during the first six months of 2026.
Russian suppliers shipped approximately 10.2 million tonnes of wheat, accounting for more than 90% of total agricultural export volumes to the continent.
Other agricultural commodities also recorded substantial shipments, including:
- 234,000 tonnes of barley
- More than 158,000 tonnes of soybean oil
- More than 95,000 tonnes of sunflower meal and other meals
The figures demonstrate the continued importance of cereals and vegetable-based agricultural products in Russia’s trade relationship with African markets.
Egypt Remains Russia’s Largest African Agricultural Market
Egypt remained the largest destination for Russian agricultural exports in Africa, accounting for approximately 44% of total volumes during the first half of 2026.
Russian shipments to Egypt reached about 4.9 million tonnes, up from approximately 3.8 million tonnes during the same period a year earlier.
Sudan ranked as the second-largest African destination, while Kenya accounted for about 10% of Russia’s agricultural exports to the continent.
Russian agricultural deliveries to Kenya increased approximately 9.5 times year on year, highlighting the rapid expansion of the country’s presence in East African food markets.
Russia’s Agricultural Trade With Africa Continues to Grow
The latest figures build on several years of expanding Russian agricultural trade with Africa.
Data from Agroexport, Russia’s agricultural export development agency, shows that Russian agri-food exports to Africa exceeded US$7 billion in 2024, representing a 19% increase from the previous year.
The growth reflects Russia’s efforts to expand agricultural exports beyond traditional markets and strengthen commercial relationships with African countries.
Russian Wheat Gains Ground in North Africa
North Africa has become an especially important destination for Russian and other former Soviet Union wheat suppliers.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, countries from the former Soviet Union supplied approximately 13.5 million tonnes of wheat to North African markets during the 2024/2025 marketing year.
That represented more than 40% of total wheat imports in the region, compared with approximately 25% supplied by European Union countries.
Russia’s competitive pricing and ability to deliver large, consistent volumes have helped it maintain a strong position in major wheat-importing markets including Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia.
Russia Looks Beyond Wheat to Expand Food Exports
Although wheat dominates Russia’s agricultural trade with Africa, Moscow is also looking to expand exports of other food products.
One area showing growth is poultry meat. Russian poultry exports to Africa exceeded US$50 million in 2025, with shipments reaching markets including Benin, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Mozambique and Guinea.
Expanding into animal protein and other food categories could allow Russia to diversify its agricultural trade with African countries while reducing its reliance on grain exports.
What Russia’s Growing Agricultural Trade Means for Africa
The increase in Russian agricultural exports comes as African countries seek reliable suppliers of food commodities amid concerns over food security, prices and supply disruptions.
Russia’s large wheat production and export capacity give it an increasingly important role in supplying African markets, particularly in North Africa.
For African importers, increased competition among global agricultural suppliers can create additional sourcing options. For Russia, the continent represents a growing market for wheat, cereals, vegetable oils, animal feed and meat products.
Russia Strengthens Its Role in Africa’s Food Supply
The 35% increase in Russian agricultural exports to Africa during the first half of 2026 underscores the rapid expansion of the trade relationship.
With more than 11 million tonnes of agricultural products shipped to Africa in six months, wheat remains the foundation of the relationship, while barley, vegetable oils, animal feed and poultry provide opportunities for further growth.
As Russia continues to expand its agricultural trade with Africa, the country’s role in the continent’s food supply chain is likely to become increasingly significant.