Commodities Still Dominate Africa’s Export Mix, Report Warns

Edited by Jayden Bagshaw 

Despite growing calls for diversification, Africa’s export profile remains heavily skewed toward commodities. The African Trade Report 2025 reveals that oil, gold, copper, and cocoa still account for over 70% of the continent’s export earnings.

This dependency leaves economies vulnerable to global price swings and external shocks. In 2023, Africa’s total trade volume fell by 6.3%, largely due to declining commodity prices and disruptions in global supply chains.

“Commodity dependence is a structural weakness,” said Dr. Olufemi Babalola, Chief Economist at Afreximbank. “We must build industrial capacity and move up the value chain.”

Countries like Ethiopia and Morocco are making strides in manufacturing, exporting textiles, pharmaceuticals, and automotive components. However, most nations still lack the infrastructure, skilled labor, and financing needed to scale up.

The report recommends:
• Expanding Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
• Investing in vocational training for export industries
• Creating regional manufacturing clusters

Without these reforms, Africa risks missing out on the benefits of AfCFTA and remaining a passive player in global trade.