Top 10 African countries with the largest intra-African imports growth

The 2024 African Trade Report, titled “Climate Implications of the AfCFTA Implementation,” emphasises the severe effects of climate change on African economies, highlighting that climate disasters have significantly impacted a portion of the continent’s trade.

The report highlighted that “In 2023, the value of intra-African trade increased to US$192.2 billion, marking a 3.2 per cent growth compared with the impressive growth rate of 10.9 per cent in 2022.”

Côte d’Ivoire’s exports, including cocoa, petroleum products, raw gold, and natural rubber, accounted for 70.1% of total exports in 2023. By Q3 2023, these exports made up 55.6% of WAEMU sales. Mali and Burkina Faso were major destinations due to sanctions lifted in February 2024.

Imports grew by 15.5% and were primarily crude oil, petroleum products, mechanical machinery, iron, and rice. Nigeria and Togo were key import partners.

Nigeria’s intra-African trade dropped by 2.1% to $8.0 billion in 2023, from $8.2 billion in 2022, reducing its share to 4.2%.

Nigeria remained the fourth-largest intra-African trading nation. 5.1% of Nigeria’s exports went to African countries, with Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, and Senegal as top destinations. Imports from Africa were under 2.9% of Nigeria’s total imports.

The report further states that Southern Africa saw a remarkable 41.1% growth rate in trade with neighbouring countries in 2023, reinforcing its role as the leading driver of intra-African trade.

West Africa remained the second-largest intra-African trading subregion, with a 25.7% share of total intra-African trade.

East Africa ranked third, contributing 14.1%. North Africa and Central Africa accounted for approximately 12.4% and 6.6%, respectively, of the overall intra-African trade.

Here are the top 10 African countries with the largest intra-African imports growth in 2023

1. South Africa

South Africa leads with intra-African imports valued at $9.59 billion. Despite being the largest, South Africa experienced a decline in growth rate by 2.78%. The country holds a substantial share of 11.71% of the total intra-African imports.

2. Mali

Mali ranks second with $5.03 billion in intra-African imports. The country showed a notable growth rate of 15.48%, contributing 6.14% to the total intra-African imports.

3. Botswana

Botswana, with intra-African imports amounting to $4.92 billion, recorded a decline in growth rate by 13.17%. Despite this, the country holds a significant share of 6.01% of the continent’s total imports.

4. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe follows with $4.73 billion in intra-African imports, achieving a growth rate of 6.76%. The country accounts for 5.78% of the total intra-African imports, showcasing its role in regional trade.

5. Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire registered $4.70 billion in intra-African imports and demonstrated a growth rate of 15.53%. The country’s share of the total intra-African imports stands at 5.75%.

6. Zambia

Zambia’s intra-African imports totalled $3.75 billion, but the country experienced a decline in growth rate by 9.82%. Nevertheless, Zambia contributes 4.59% to the total intra-African imports.

7. Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo imported $3.55 billion worth of goods within Africa, achieving a growth rate of 19.53%. The country holds a 4.33% share of the total intra-African imports.

8. Uganda

Uganda’s intra-African imports were valued at $3.44 billion, marking an impressive growth rate of 101.92%. Uganda contributes 4.21% to the total intra-African imports, reflecting significant trade expansion.

9. Mozambique

Mozambique imported $3.23 billion worth of goods within Africa, achieving a growth rate of 18.80%. The country accounts for 3.94% of the total intra-African imports.

10. Namibia

Namibia completes the top 10 with intra-African imports valued at $3.12 billion. The country experienced a decline in growth rate by 6.21% but still holds a 3.81% share of the total intra-African imports.

Chisom Michael

Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.

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