(Ecofin Agency) - In 2016, Africa spent $65.8 billion on food imports. This was revealed by the Trade Law Centre for Southern Africa (TRALAC) in a report which gives a global overview of agricultural trade in Africa in 2012-2016. 

The amount spent is 21% less than what was disbursed in 2012 ($83 billion). It was mainly used to purchase staple food products, such as cereals (rice, maize, and wheat), dairy products, meat and meat products, sugar, confectionary products, edible oils and fats. 

According to the report, 84% of food imports come from outside the continent with Egypt spending the most on these, knowingly $10 billion which represent 15% of overall imports expenditures. 

It is followed by Algeria and South Africa which respectively totaled 12% ($8 billion) and 9% ($5.7 billion) of the overall amount. Morocco and Nigeria are next (4th and 5th) with respectively $4.6 billion (7%) and $4.5 billion (7%). 

Africa's main food suppliers over the period reviewed were Brazil (9%), France (7%), India (6%), South Africa (5%) and US (5%).   

In regards to exports, the report highlights that they generated $47.2 billion in 2016, against $48.4 billion (thus +2.4%). 

They (exports) are dominated by agricultural commodities (cocoa, coffee, tea, and spices), fruits, vegetables, edible oils, sugar and beverages. 50% of exported volumes came mainly from five country, which are: South Africa (17%), Côte d’Ivoire (15%), Morocco (10%), Egypt (10%) and Ghana (7%).  

Major export destinations were in Europe (39% of total exports), knowingly Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain and the United Kingdom. Other destinations include the US (6%) and Asian countries (India, China, Vietnam, Japan and Malaysia).   

Espoir Olodo