Sub-Saharan Africa’s Food Import Bill Heading to US$65 Billion in 2025

A recent report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) shows that food imports into sub-Saharan Africa are expected to rise to approximately US$65 billion by the end of 2025, up from about US$62.8 billion in 2024.

Of that total, cereals,  including wheat, rice, barley and flour, will account for the largest chunk at roughly US$21.9 billion, or about one-third of the region’s import spend.

The rest of the spike is being driven by imports of edible oils, fish, sugar and beverages, projected at around US$23.4 billion, reflecting the region’s rising consumer demand and shifting dietary patterns. 

Supply-side factors are also at play: for instance, slower global growth in palm oil production is pushing up oils and fats costs, which in turn drives up import bills. Meanwhile, demand is increasing for fish, fruits and vegetables, especially among middle- and higher-income consumers in parts of the region, further raising the cost base for imported foodstuffs.

The FAO’s broader global outlook points to a total food import bill of some US$2.22 trillion in 2025, an increase of nearly 8 % year-on-year. Within sub-Saharan Africa, the countries projected to spend the most on imported food include South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya and Ivory Coast.

The projected US$65 billion food import bill in sub-Saharan Africa is not just a statistic, it signals a major business opportunity. Food & Beverage West Africa 2025 is positioned as the gateway event to capitalise on that opportunity, bringing together all the players who will shape the region’s food and beverage landscape in the coming year.

To find out more about the Food and Beverage West Africa exhibition, Click Here to speak to a member of the team.