• African banana exports rose 5% to 753,000 tonnes in 2025, according to FAO estimates.
• Ghana recorded the fastest growth, increasing exports 27.72% to 129,000 tonnes.
• Cameroon saw exports fall 4% to 244,000 tonnes due to persistent security disruptions.

African countries exported about 753,000 tonnes of bananas in 2025, according to the latest estimates from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). In its annual report presenting preliminary market review results, published on January 28, the UN agency said exports increased 5% year on year, representing 35,000 additional tonnes compared with 718,000 tonnes in 2024.

Ghana, the Engine of Export Growth

Although Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon accounted for nearly 68% of total African exports, Ghana delivered the strongest growth performance.

FAO data showed Ghana exported 129,000 tonnes of bananas in 2025, marking a 27.72% increase year on year. The expansion confirmed a momentum that has strengthened over recent years.

Between 2019 and 2023, Ghana exported an average of 73,000 tonnes per year. Exports then rose to 101,000 tonnes in 2024, signaling a broader production base. According to data compiled by industry website Fruitrop, banana production remained concentrated until 2020 among three main operators: Golden Exotic Limited (GEL), Volta Rivers Estates Limited (VREL), and Musahat Farms Limited.

Côte d’Ivoire, Africa’s largest banana exporter, expected a moderate increase in shipments in 2025. FAO estimates showed the country exported 271,000 tonnes, representing a 7% annual increase.

Cameroon stood out as the only major African exporter to record a decline. FAO estimates showed Cameroonian exports fell 4% to 244,000 tonnes in 2025, amid persistent insecurity in production areas.

“In 2025, supplies from Cameroon reportedly continued to be hindered by the separatist crisis and the deterioration of the security situation in the country, which had already resulted in labor losses, destruction of facilities, and plantation abandonment in previous years. According to industry sources, conflict-related damages continued in 2025, despite government efforts to provide financial support aimed at stabilizing banana production in Cameroon,” the report said.

Overall, Africa consolidated its position as the fourth-largest banana-exporting region globally, behind South America, Central America, and Asia. FAO estimates placed global banana exports at nearly 20.8 million tonnes in 2025, reflecting a 6% year-on-year increase.

This article was initially published in French by Stéphanas Assocle

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM