Arabfields, Maleeka Kassou, East, West & Central Africa Agriculture Correspondent — Africa’s agricultural sector continues to play a vital role in the continent’s economy despite its declining share of gross domestic product, highlighting a growing gap between economic transformation and the realities of rural livelihoods.
According to the latest 2026 development assessments, agriculture accounted for 17% of Africa’s GDP in 2025, down from 18% five years earlier. While the percentage has decreased, the sector remains the largest source of employment in many African countries and continues to provide income for hundreds of millions of people.
In farming communities across the continent, the sector remains at the center of daily life. Smallholder farmers continue to face mounting challenges linked to climate change, limited access to financing, inadequate infrastructure and recurring security concerns that disrupt production and supply chains. Despite these obstacles, agriculture continues to support food security and sustain rural economies.
Economic analysts note that the declining GDP share does not necessarily indicate a weaker agricultural sector. Instead, it reflects the faster expansion of industries such as telecommunications, financial services and manufacturing in several African economies. Even so, agricultural productivity has not kept pace with population growth, leaving many countries increasingly dependent on food imports.
Agricultural experts believe stronger investment in irrigation systems, transport networks, storage facilities and modern farming technologies could significantly improve productivity over the coming years. Expanding digital agriculture and improving access to credit are also expected to help farmers increase yields while making production more resilient to extreme weather events.
Many producers are already adapting to changing conditions by adopting climate-smart farming practices and diversifying their crops. Farmers interviewed across different regions say they remain optimistic but stress that long-term government support will be essential to secure stable incomes and strengthen food production.
Looking ahead, development specialists expect agriculture to remain one of Africa’s most strategic sectors through the end of the decade. If investment accelerates and structural reforms continue, agricultural output is projected to increase steadily, even if its relative share of GDP gradually declines as other sectors grow more rapidly. The sector is also expected to play a central role in strengthening regional food systems, expanding exports and creating new employment opportunities for Africa’s growing population.
