Arabfields, Maleeka Kassou, East, West & Central Africa Agriculture Correspondent — Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to strengthen its position in global agricultural markets over the next decade, although rising domestic demand will continue to absorb much of the region’s production. New outlooks released in 2026 suggest that population growth, expanding urban centers and changing diets will reshape agricultural trade, creating opportunities for producers while highlighting long-standing structural challenges.
The region’s food consumption is projected to increase steadily through 2035, largely because its population is growing faster than any other major region. While production of cereals, sugar and livestock products is also expected to rise, analysts believe local demand will continue to outpace supply in several countries, leaving imports as an important part of the food system.
Farmers across the region are already adapting to changing conditions. In northern Ghana, maize grower Ibrahim Sulemana says improved seed varieties have helped him harvest more grain despite increasingly unpredictable rainfall. “We are producing more than we did a few years ago, but our villages are growing too. Most of what we harvest is sold close to home,” he explained.
The sugar sector is forecast to expand gradually, supported by investments in processing facilities and higher domestic consumption. Several countries are expected to reduce their dependence on imported sugar, although international suppliers are likely to remain competitive in markets where production costs remain high.
Livestock production is also anticipated to record sustained growth. Rising household incomes and urbanization are increasing demand for meat and dairy products, encouraging producers to modernize breeding practices and improve animal health. Industry specialists expect poultry to remain the fastest-growing segment because of its relatively affordable price and shorter production cycle.
Cereal production is forecast to improve over the coming years thanks to higher yields and better farming techniques. However, climate variability, limited irrigation infrastructure and post-harvest losses continue to restrict productivity in many rural areas. Economists note that expanding storage capacity and transport networks could significantly reduce food losses and improve regional trade.
Trade patterns are also expected to evolve. Although Sub-Saharan Africa will remain a net importer of several staple foods, exports of products such as cocoa, cotton, fruits and selected cash crops are projected to increase. Agricultural processing is likely to receive greater investment as governments seek to capture more value before products reach international markets.
According to the latest 2026 agricultural outlook, productivity gains will become increasingly important as available farmland expands more slowly than in previous decades. Experts believe that wider adoption of improved seeds, digital farming technologies and climate-resilient practices could allow the region to narrow production gaps while strengthening food security.
Looking ahead to 2035, Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to play a more visible role in global agriculture, not only as a supplier of raw commodities but also as a growing consumer market. Whether the region fully realizes that potential will depend on continued investment in infrastructure, access to finance for farmers and policies that encourage innovation across the agricultural value chain.
