1. South Africa

• Export Value: $110.39 billion USD

• Key Exports: Gold, platinum group metals, diamonds, coal, iron ore, vehicles, machinery, electrical equipment, agricultural products, wine, fruit

South Africa is the largest exporter in Africa. Its strength comes from a highly diversified economy that combines natural resources with a strong manufacturing base. The country has a well-developed automotive industry, producing vehicles for global brands like Toyota, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, which are exported worldwide.

Advanced ports such as Durban and Cape Town support trade with Europe, China, and the United States. This combination of natural resources, manufacturing, and logistics infrastructure secures South Africa’s leadership in African exports.

2. Nigeria

• Export Value: $56.77 billion USD

• Key Exports: Crude oil (dominant), cocoa, sesame seeds, cotton, rubber

Nigeria is Africa’s second-largest exporter, with an economy dominated by energy products, particularly crude oil. The country is one of Africa’s leading oil producers, supplying major markets such as India, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Efforts to expand non-oil exports—including agricultural commodities like cocoa, sesame seeds, cotton, and rubber—are increasing. Key ports, especially the Port of Lagos, help these products reach markets in Europe and Asia efficiently.

3. Algeria

• Export Value: $56.8 billion USD

• Key Exports: Oil, natural gas

Algeria closely follows Nigeria in export rankings. Its economy relies heavily on hydrocarbons, particularly oil and natural gas. Algeria is a top supplier of natural gas to Europe, with pipelines such as the Trans-Mediterranean Pipeline and Medgaz Pipeline connecting it to major European markets.

While agriculture and manufacturing are emerging sectors, Algeria’s energy partnerships with Europe sustain its export value and maintain its position as one of Africa’s largest exporters.

4. Morocco

• Export Value: $47.49 billion USD

• Key Exports: Vehicles, phosphates, fertilizers, textiles, electronics, citrus fruits, vegetables, seafood

Morocco has developed a diversified export base that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and minerals. The automotive sector is growing rapidly, producing vehicles mainly for European markets. Morocco also holds some of the world’s largest phosphate reserves, making fertilizers and phosphates key exports.

Industrial zones like Tanger-Med facilitate trade with Europe, Africa, and the Americas, strengthening Morocco’s export infrastructure and global reach.

5. Egypt

• Export Value: $42 billion USD

• Key Exports: Energy products, chemicals, textiles, food products, manufactured goods

Egypt rounds out the top five exporting countries in Africa. Its exports are diversified across energy, chemicals, textiles, food products, and manufactured goods. Egypt’s strategic location near the Suez Canal offers a major logistical advantage, connecting trade routes between Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Industrial expansion in chemicals, electrical goods, and textiles, combined with agricultural exports like citrus fruits and grains, ensures Egypt’s continued position as a leading exporter on the continent.