Sub-Saharan Africa food imports to reach US$65 Billion in 2025 – FAO
FAO forecasts a rise in food import bills across the region.
AFRICA – Food imports in sub-Saharan Africa are expected to climb to US$65 billion by the end of 2025, marking a 4% increase from the US$62.8 billion recorded in 2024, according to the latest FAO Food Outlook report released in November.
Cereal products including wheat, rice, barley, and wheat flour are projected to account for the largest portion of import spending at US$21.9 billion, representing roughly one-third of the total value.
Imports of edible oils, fish, sugar, and beverages follow cereals in spending, with these four categories expected to total US$23.4 billion, reflecting steady growth in consumer demand.
The FAO notes that apart from cereals, sugar, and meat, other food categories have seen year-on-year increases in import expenditure, driven by multiple factors affecting supply and demand.
Rising costs for oils and fats are linked to anticipated slow growth in global palm oil production, which is contributing to higher import bills for sub-Saharan African countries.
Demand for fish, fruits, and vegetables is increasing in middle- and high-income countries within the region, pushing up overall import spending for these items.
Globally, the FAO expects the total food import bill to reach US$2.22 trillion in 2025, representing an increase of nearly 8% and setting a new record.
High-income countries are driving most of the absolute increase in global food import costs, particularly due to rising prices for coffee and cocoa, while the fastest percentage growth is expected in least developed countries.
In the LDCs, spending on animal and vegetable oils could jump by as much as 58% compared to 2024, reflecting shifts in both supply constraints and consumer preferences.
Within sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Ivory Coast are the five countries projected to spend the most on imported food, according to UNCTAD data published in July.
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