Russia expands grain and fertilizer exports to Africa

Russia has significantly increased its agricultural exports to Africa, shipping 13 million tons of wheat to the continent during the first nine months of 2026. This follows the export of over 18 million tons of cereals in 2025.

Yuri Ushakov, an aide to the Russian President, highlighted the growing importance of the African market ahead of the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. The summit includes representatives from 48 countries, with 22 heads of state expected to participate.

Economic cooperation between the two regions has expanded, with total trade volume exceeding $27 billion in 2025. Beyond cereals, Russian mineral fertilizer exports to Africa rose from 1.5 million tons in 2025 to over 2.2 million tons in the current year. Russian wheat is currently supplied to more than 40 African nations, capturing approximately one-third of the continent's wheat market. Notable increases in imports were seen in Sudan and Kenya, while the total export potential for Russian grains and legumes to Africa is estimated to reach nearly $6 billion by 2030.