Africa consumed approximately 17 million tonnes of sugar in 2023 while producing 12.4 million tonnes, with the 5-million-tonne deficit covered largely by imports from Brazil, Thailand, and India. Zambia Sugar, a subsidiary of Illovo/ABF, operates one of sub-Saharan Africa's most efficient estates near Mazabuka, exporting 350,000 tonnes to the DRC, Mozambique, and South Africa in 2023. A 60,000-hectare expansion approved in 2022 will push annual production above 800,000 tonnes by 2027, making Zambia a significant AfCFTA sugar exporter.
Ethiopia's Ambition
Ethiopia has invested heavily in state-owned sugar estates at Tendaho and Omo Kuraz targeting 2 million tonnes annually. Execution has lagged projections but the underlying land and water resource potential is substantial. AfCFTA sugar tariff harmonisation gives efficient regional producers like Zambia a competitive advantage over imported supply. Sugar industry contacts and commodity trade resources for Africa are available on intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.