Data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s Economic Report on Africa 2026 shows significant fluctuations in Africa’s total trade volume and year-on-year growth between 2015 and 2024.
Africa’s trade volume stood at more than $400 billion in 2015 before declining in 2016. It then grew steadily, reaching a pre-pandemic peak of more than $500 billion in 2018.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted trade sharply, with volumes falling in 2020 as the year-on-year growth rate dropped below -20 per cent.
Trade rebounded strongly in 2021, with growth exceeding 40 per cent, pushing total trade volume to a record high of more than $650 billion in 2022.
Growth moderated in 2023, dipping slightly into negative territory, while trade volumes remained above $600 billion through 2024.
Overall, the figures highlight the volatility of Africa’s trade over the decade, as well as the continent’s strong recovery following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
