Africa is increasingly becoming a key player in the global wheat market, with Russia emerging as the leading supplier for many nations in North and East Africa. In the 2023/24 season, Russian wheat exports to African countries reached a record 21.2 million tonnes, according to Russia’s Agroexport center. This surge underscores Russia’s competitive pricing and favorable shipping distances to various ports, establishing it as a dominant supplier in the region.
Countries like Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, and Nigeria are among the largest wheat importers on the continent, predominantly relying on foreign sources to meet their growing demand. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimated that North African wheat imports would total about 33.4 million tonnes for the 2025/26 trade year, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for approximately 31.5 million tonnes, bringing the total to nearly 65 million tonnes.
Egypt, for instance, imported around 8.53 million tonnes of Russian wheat in 2024, valued at over $3.05 billion. Despite government efforts to diversify its sources, a significant portion of Egypt’s wheat imports—more than 70 percent—came from Russia and Ukraine between 2014 and 2023. In addition to Egypt, Kenya has also significantly increased its wheat imports from Russia, bringing in 1.89 million tonnes in 2024, which makes it one of Russia’s largest markets for wheat globally.
While Russia has gained substantial market share, European wheat exporters continue to play a crucial role, especially in North and West Africa. Countries like France, Germany, and Poland remain significant suppliers. In 2025, Morocco imported approximately 5.35 million tonnes of wheat, with France providing about 2.86 million tonnes. Algeria, historically reliant on European sources, imported around 10.57 million tonnes of wheat in 2024, sourced from a mix of Russia, France, and Bulgaria.
Wheat supply dynamics in Africa are also influenced by countries like Canada and the United States, which provide higher protein wheat, and Australia and Argentina, which are gaining traction in certain markets due to competitive pricing and quality. For instance, in 2025, South Africa imported 2.35 million tonnes of wheat, with Australia supplying a significant portion.
Despite the rising diversity in sourcing, Africa’s reliance on external wheat supplies highlights a contradiction. While wheat consumption is growing rapidly, driven by urbanization and demographic changes, the majority of this grain is sourced internationally. Reports indicate that the ten largest importing countries account for roughly 79 percent of Africa’s wheat imports, a trend that has remained steady even as local production struggles to keep pace with demand.
This dependence on global wheat supplies means that events such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine can have immediate repercussions on African food markets. The disruption of shipments, alongside fluctuations in international grain prices, poses challenges for countries that must purchase wheat in foreign currencies, making them vulnerable to currency fluctuations.
As a result, governments across the continent are increasingly incorporating wheat sourcing into their food security policies. Egypt has expanded its list of approved suppliers, while nations like Algeria and Morocco are diversifying their import sources. This trend reflects a broader strategy to enhance food security while navigating a challenging global agricultural landscape.
