Shipments to African markets increase by 40 per cent in volume as demand grows across the continent
Russia has significantly expanded its agricultural exports to African countries, with the value of shipments rising by 35 per cent in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, as reported by MENA, a TV BRICS partner.
From January to May 2026, Russia supplied agricultural products worth around US$2.9 billion to more than 40 African countries. Export volumes increased by 40 per cent in physical terms, reflecting growing demand for Russian grain and other agricultural commodities.
Wheat remained the largest export item by volume, with supplies reaching approximately 10.2 million tonnes. Other major products included barley, with around 234,000 tonnes exported, soybean oil exceeding 158,000 tonnes, sunflower seed meal and cake surpassing 95,000 tonnes, and beet pulp with added molasses reaching more than 64,000 tonnes.
Egypt continued to be the leading destination for Russian agricultural products, accounting for 44 per cent of total export volumes. Shipments to the country reached 4.9 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, compared with 3.8 million tonnes during the same period in 2025.
Kenya placed third among the largest African buyers, accounting for approximately 10 per cent of export volumes. Russian agricultural supplies to the East African country increased 9.5 times compared with the previous year.
The expansion of agricultural trade with Africa reflects the growing role of the continent in Russia’s international food supply partnerships. Continued development of export routes and cooperation with African markets is expected to support further growth in agricultural exchanges.
