• Wheat imports rise 7% in 2024/2025, exceeding 30 million tons for first time
• Nigeria, Kenya, and Sudan account for 37% of regional demand
• EU and Russia supply most of the region’s wheat needs

Sub-Saharan Africa has reached a record high in wheat imports, surpassing 30 million tons for the first time in the 2024/2025 season, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. The data, published by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), reflects growing demand driven by population growth, urbanization, and changing diets.

Over the past two decades, wheat has become an increasingly important staple in the region, ranking as the most imported cereal and the third-most consumed after maize and rice. Sub-Saharan Africa now joins North Africa and Southeast Asia as a key player in the global wheat market.

The surge in imports is largely fueled by Nigeria, Kenya, and Sudan, which collectively brought in over 11 million tons, representing about 37% of total regional imports. Nigeria leads with 6.25 million tons, ranking as the seventh-largest wheat importer globally. Kenya followed with 2.6 million tons, maintaining its position as the second-largest importer in Sub-Saharan Africa—having overtaken Sudan in the previous year. Sudan imported 2.5 million tons during the same period.

Other notable importers include South Africa, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, though their combined intake remains under 5 million tons. According to the USDA, around 70% of wheat imported into Sub-Saharan Africa originates from the European Union and Russia.

Looking ahead, the USDA projects that imports will remain strong in 2025/2026, with volumes expected to reach 30.1 million tons—another record for the region.