In Summary
- In 2024, the total value of imported goods in Africa reached $719 billion, showing a modest growth of 2.4% compared to 2023.
- Meanwhile, exports saw a larger increase, rising by nearly 10% to $682 billion. Imports were robust in manufactured goods and refined petroleum products.
- Intra-African trade also grew, hitting $208 billion in 2024, driven by regional integration efforts.
Deep Dive!!
As global trade continues to shape the economic landscape of individual nations, Africa remains a key participant with a growing demand for imported goods across various sectors. In 2024, the continent’s top importers reflected a combination of economic size, industrial capacity, population demand, and infrastructure development. From oil-rich economies to rapidly industrializing nations, African countries are increasingly reliant on international trade to meet domestic needs, support manufacturing, and sustain growth.
According to reports, the total value of imported goods in Africa in 2024 alone was $719 billion. Although the figure reveals a small margin of +2.4%, compared to the previous year, experts say it is a good step in the right direction especially as the continent recorded a 10% increase to $682 billion in exports.
The leading sectors that experienced the highest import margins were manufactured goods and refined petroleum products. Here are the Top 10 African Countries with the Largest Value of Goods Imported in 2024.
10. Ghana
With a total import value of $14.4 billion, Ghana is one of the countries with the largest import value in 2024. The country’s major import products are refined petroleum, vehicles, and rice. With China, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and the Netherlands as its key trading partners.
9. Sudan
Sudan’s growing economy drives its demand for energy and consumer goods reaching an import value of $14.6 billion in 2024. Refined petroleum, wheat, and vehicles from China, the United Arab Emirates, India, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are the country’s chief export products. Sudan’s imports are vital for its energy and food security.
8. Libya
Despite political challenges, Libya continues to import goods to meet domestic needs, recording a total import value of $18.4 billion in 2024. Machinery, refined petroleum, and food products from China, Turkey, Italy, Germany, and Egypt are the major import products for the country.
7. Tunisia
Influenced by a huge manufacturing sector and consumer market, Tunisia’s import activities reached $19.1 billion in 2024. Refined petroleum, cars, and pharmaceuticals from key trade partners like France, Italy, Germany, China, and Spain account for the value.
6. Angola
Angola’s imports are essential for rebuilding infrastructure and supporting its oil-dependent economy, reaching $25.9 billion in import value in 2024. The country’s major imports were in machinery, vehicles, and food products from key trade partners like China, Portugal, Brazil, the United States, and South Africa make up for the value.
5. Morocco
Morocco’s imports support its growing automotive and energy sectors, reaching an import value of $30.6 billion in 2024. The major imports are crude petroleum, refined petroleum, and vehicles from Spain, France, China, the United States, and Germany make for the value.
4. Algeria
Algeria’s import profile is driven by its need for industrial equipment and consumer goods, with its import value hitting $36.7 billion in 2024. Machinery, transportation equipment, and food products from China, France, Italy, Spain, and Germany contribute to the total import value.
3. Nigeria
As Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria imports a wide range of goods to meet domestic demands, recording an import value of $42.2 billion in 2024. Refined petroleum, machinery, electrical equipment, vehicles, and pharmaceuticals from China, the Netherlands, the United States, India, and Belgium make up for the value.
2. Egypt
Egypt’s strategic location as a gateway between Africa and the Middle East bolsters its import activities, particularly in energy and agriculture. In 2024, the country recorded an import value of $54.3 billion. Petroleum products, wheat, corn, and machinery from key trade partners like China, the United States, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey made up for the value.
1. South Africa
As Africa’s most industrialized nation, South Africa’s substantial import volume reflects its diversified economy and advanced infrastructure. The country reached an import value of $103 billion from machinery, petroleum products, vehicles, electronics, and pharmaceuticals imported from China, Germany, the United States, India, and Saudi Arabia.
