Russian wheat exports to Kenya increased by 10% year-on-year during the current marketing season, reinforcing Kenya’s position as one of Russia’s most important grain markets in Africa.
According to Russia’s agricultural export promotion agency, Agroexport, wheat shipments to Kenya reached approximately 1.4 million tonnes by the end of May 2026. The volume has already surpassed the 1.3 million tonnes exported during the entire previous season and is second only to the record 1.7 million tonnes shipped in the 2023/24 season.
Agroexport noted that Kenya remains a strategic destination for Russian grain exporters, accounting for about 7% of Russia’s total grain exports to the African continent.
The growth in wheat exports to Kenya reflects a broader expansion of Russia’s agricultural trade with Africa. Agroexport advisor Alexander Yakuba said the value of Russian exports of processed agricultural products to African markets has more than doubled over the past five years.
Russian agricultural exports to Africa exceeded US$7 billion in 2024, representing a 19% increase compared with 2023. While grain continues to dominate export volumes, shipments of higher-value agricultural products have also grown significantly.
These products include animal feed, yeast, soft drinks, tea and coffee concentrates, and molasses. Agroexport projects that Russia’s agricultural exports to Africa could surpass US$7.5 billion by 2030, supported by continued growth in grain, vegetable oil, livestock, processed food, and fish exports.
Russia has also recorded strong growth in wheat shipments to several other African countries. Exports to Egypt increased by 19% this year, while supplies to Sudan rose by 78%. In Cameroon, Russian wheat exports reached 137,000 tonnes valued at approximately US$32 million in 2025, more than three times higher than the previous year.
Analysts at Russian railway operator Rusagrotrans noted that countries in the Middle East and North Africa remain the largest buyers of Russian wheat, citing Russia’s logistical advantages and proximity to these markets.
Russia has continued to strengthen its economic engagement across Africa. In April 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that 81 Russian regions are now actively cooperating with African trade partners, reflecting growing commercial ties between Russia and the continent.