Africa’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of its economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. The sector is projected to reach a gross production value of US$189.07 billion by 2025, with many countries focusing on innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification. The agricultural industry not only supports food security but also provides a basis for export revenue and rural employment. The following is a look at the 10 African countries with the largest agricultural sectors in 2025, considering their GDP contributions, key crops, and impactful programs.
10. Rwanda
Rwanda’s agricultural sector continues to grow, with coffee and tea being the primary exports. The government has committed around 10% of the national budget to agriculture, which has significantly bolstered rural employment and export revenues. The country’s “Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation” is a key driver for improving productivity and economic stability in the agricultural sector.
9. Angola
Angola’s agricultural sector has experienced significant growth, contributing to the diversification of the economy, which had traditionally relied on oil. Maize, cassava, and beans are the country’s key crops, and the government’s investments in projects such as FADA and PNIA, totaling $3 billion in 2024, have helped reduce food imports by 20%. These efforts have also supported agricultural output growth by 8%, boosting Angola’s economic resilience.
8. Uganda
Agriculture plays a crucial role in Uganda’s economy, contributing around 24.1% to the GDP. Coffee, bananas, maize, beans, and sugarcane are Uganda’s main crops. With initiatives like the National Oil Palm Project (NOPP) and the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), the country has improved its coffee export revenues, which reached $845 million in 2024. Policies supporting commercialization and export orientation have led to substantial growth in the sector.
7. Ghana
Ghana’s agricultural sector has made significant strides, especially with its focus on maize, rice, and cocoa production. The government’s “Planting for Food and Jobs” program, which received a $1.3 billion investment in 2024, has played a key role in creating jobs, reducing food imports by 30%, and strengthening food security. This program has successfully generated 1.5 million jobs and helped bolster agricultural productivity.
6. Kenya
Kenya is a key player in East Africa’s agricultural industry, with tea, flowers, and coffee serving as major export commodities. Agriculture contributes around 30% of Kenya’s export revenue. The government’s investment in irrigation and infrastructure, amounting to $800 million in 2024, has strengthened the sector, supporting livelihoods and ensuring that Kenya remains a leader in flower and tea exports.
5. Morocco
Morocco has made significant strides in improving its agricultural sector through the “Plan Maroc Vert,” which has attracted over $10 billion in investments since 2020. The country focuses on fruits, vegetables, and olive oil production, which has led to a 40% increase in output. Morocco’s advancements in sustainable irrigation and rural development have made it a key agricultural hub in North Africa.
4. Egypt
Agriculture in Egypt is crucial for food security, with the country focusing on wheat, rice, and cotton production. The government’s $6 billion desert agriculture expansion project is aimed at boosting self-sufficiency, especially in wheat production, to reduce reliance on imports. Egypt’s goal is to achieve 75% wheat self-sufficiency by 2030, making its agricultural sector a cornerstone of its economic resilience.
3. Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s agricultural sector is highly developed, with coffee, wheat, and maize being the most important crops. As Africa’s largest coffee exporter, Ethiopia continues to play a central role in the global coffee market. The Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA) has invested $5.5 billion in irrigation projects, creating over 1.2 million rural jobs. Ethiopia’s agricultural sector is a key driver of economic growth, especially in rural areas.
2. Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire is Africa’s largest cocoa exporter, with cocoa, rice, and bananas being its primary crops. Agriculture accounts for approximately 45% of the country’s GDP. The government’s $2 billion investment in cocoa expansion and diversification is helping to solidify its role as a key player in global cocoa production. The sector supports a large portion of the rural workforce and is central to the country’s export revenue.
1. Nigeria
Nigeria has the largest agricultural sector in Africa, with cassava, maize, rice, millet, yams, and cocoa being its key crops. Agriculture contributes around 23.4% of the country’s GDP and employs 38% of the workforce. With significant programs like the AFEX Commodities Exchange, ThriveAgric, and the Anchor Borrowers’ Program, Nigeria has created over 2 million jobs in the agriculture sector in 2023–2024 alone. Nigeria’s focus on agricultural innovation, climate-smart farming, and large-scale investments makes it the dominant agricultural powerhouse in Africa.
These countries are not only major agricultural producers but are also transforming their agricultural landscapes through technological innovation, infrastructure investment, and strategic government policies. As Africa’s agricultural sector grows, these nations are leading the way in ensuring food security, boosting exports, and creating sustainable rural employment.
