# African economic autonomy and agro-processing initiatives > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/african-economic-autonomy-and-agro-processing-initiatives > Updated: 2026-10-05T14:56:17.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2. African nations are pursuing strategies to increase economic autonomy and food security through local value addition and industrial processing. In West Africa, governments in Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso have implemented restrictions on raw shea nut exports to promote domestic production of high-value oils and butter. Nigeria has extended its ban on raw shea nut exports through February 2027. In the energy sector, the Dangote Group is expanding refining capacities, including a planned $16 million refinery in Kenya, as part of efforts toward regional fuel self-sufficiency. Agricultural initiatives are also expanding across the continent. In Malawi, efforts are underway to link root and tuber producers to markets to diversify the food base beyond maize. Similarly, Namibia is advancing a decentralized manufacturing plan to establish regional processing plants for products such as watermelon and mango juice, aiming for 80% local food self-sufficiency by 2030. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-05: African nations advance agricultural value addition and agro-processing Malawi and Namibia are advancing agro-processing initiatives to boost food security and economic development through the commercialisation and local processing of agricultural products. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/african-nations-advance-agricultural-value-addition-and-agro-processing ### 2026-09-28: Africa shifts toward local processing and economic autonomy African nations are shifting toward local processing and self-sufficiency, from restricting raw shea nut exports to expanding oil refining capacities and improving agricultural market access. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alliance-of-sahel-states-avoids-specific-timeline-for-new-currency --- Cite as: African economic autonomy and agro-processing initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/african-economic-autonomy-and-agro-processing-initiatives