Uganda’s agricultural trade story begins with a major advantage: the country already produces many of the commodities that regional and global markets want.
TANZANIA’S AGRICULTURAL TRADE PROBLEM IS NOT PRODUCTION; IT IS POLICY UNCERTAINTY
Tanzania has the ingredients of a strong agricultural trading nation. It has land, diverse agro-ecological zones, a large farming population, access to regional markets, and strategic links to the East African Community, SADC, COMESA and AfCFTA. Agriculture contributes significantly to the economy and employs a large share of the population. Its exports include cashew nuts, coffee, cotton, tobacco, tea, cloves, horticulture and sesame, while staples such as maize and rice remain critical for regional food markets.
MALAWI’S MAIZE TRADE POLICY IS TRYING TO PROTECT FOOD SECURITY; IT MAY BE WEAKENING IT
Malawi’s agricultural trade story is a story of promise trapped by uncertainty. The country has fertile soils, water resources, a large farming population and a strategic location in Southern Africa. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, employing most of the workforce, contributing significantly to GDP and generating the bulk of foreign exchange earnings. On paper, Malawi should be better positioned to supply regional markets, diversify exports and strengthen agro-processing.
GHANA’S FOOD MARKETS ARE REGIONAL; ITS POLICIES MUST START REGULATING THE REAL MARKET
Ghana’s agricultural trade story is often told through cocoa. That is understandable. Cocoa is structured, regulated, globally traded and central to the country’s export identity. Cashew is also increasingly important. These commodities operate through relatively formal systems with clear institutions, established buyers and recognized export channels.
AFRICA’S FOOD MARKETS ARE ALREADY REGIONAL; OUR POLICIES NEED TO CATCH UP
Between February and April 2026, ANAPRI centres convened a series of country-level consultations on agricultural trade barriers in Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Kenya and Ghana. The message from these dialogues was remarkably consistent: Africa’s food markets are already deeply connected across borders, but our policies still behave as if food systems stop at national boundaries.