Africa’s merchandise export landscape is characterised by a high level of concentration among a few key nations, with the top five economies accounting for more than half of the continent's total export value.
According to recent trade data, South Africa remains the dominant player, contributing over 18 per cent of the total exports, followed by Nigeria and Egypt.
These three nations, along with Algeria and Morocco, drive a significant portion of the 1.28 trillion dollars in total merchandise trade recorded across the continent.
While petroleum oils, gold, and copper remain the primary drivers of extra-African exports, there is a growing shift toward manufactured goods within intra-continental trade.
In East Africa, Kenya recorded exports of 7.43 billion dollars, maintaining its position as a regional leader in horticulture and tea.
However, analysts note that the country currently taps less than half of its projected export potential.
The continued implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area is expected to further diversify these trade portfolios.
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