Africa is rising as a major player in the global spice market, leveraging its unique agricultural diversity and favourable climate conditions. While historically overshadowed by Asian spice giants, the continent is now poised to capture a larger share of the global market.
In 2023, the spice industry alone contributed approximately $1.5 billion to Africa’s GDP, representing a significant portion of the continent’s agricultural exports.
As of 2019, Africa’s food exports amounted to roughly $61.4 billion. The largest share, about $32.5 billion, was destined for developing economies within Africa and regions such as America, Asia, and Oceania. Over $27 billion was generated by exports to developed economies, while $1.7 billion came from sales to transition economies.
Data from Statista reveals that the salt and spices market is expected to grow significantly, with projected revenue reaching US$5.93 billion in 2024 and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.67% from 2024 to 2029. Globally, the United States remains the largest revenue generator, with expected earnings of $10.53 billion in 2024.
In terms of volume, the market is expected to grow at a rate of 4.1% in 2025, reaching a total volume of 292.80 million kilogrammes by 2029. Per capita, the average consumption in the salt and spices market is projected to be 0.2 kilogrammes in 2024, with a per-person revenue of $4.56.
African agricultural exports, including spices, have had a steady growth in recent years, with an increasing focus on high-value crops for international markets. In 2022, the continent’s spice exports were valued at $531 million, growing at an annual rate of nearly 12%.
The Diversity of African Spices
Africa’s spice offerings are as varied as its landscapes, with a diverse range of spices being exported to global markets. Among the most notable exports are pepper, ginger, cloves, and turmeric.
Madagascar and Cameroon are major exporters of pepper, shipping 25,000 metric tonnes annually. Nigeria is also a significant producer of ginger, exporting 22,000 metric tonnes annually, making it one of the largest producers globally. Cloves are also major exports from Madagascar and Tanzania, with 30,000 metric tonnes shipped each year. Meanwhile, Uganda and Nigeria are primary producers of turmeric, exporting 10,000 metric tonnes annually.
Data from TrendEconomy reveals that, in 2023, Nigeria’s exports of ginger, saffron, turmeric, thyme, bay leaves, curry, and other spices generated $49 million in revenue. This represents a 5.12% decrease in value compared to 2022, when exports in this category totalled $52 million. This commodity group accounted for 0.076%($65 billion) of Nigeria’s total exports in 2023, a slight decrease from 0.082% in 2022.
Key Export Market and Comparative Analysis
The African region’s spices are primarily exported to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, with the European Union being the largest importer, accounting for over 40% of Africa’s spice exports.
Asia, led by China and India, is another significant market, importing around 15% of Africa’s spices. The Middle East also remains a key destination, particularly for cardamom and cloves, which are essential in regional cuisines.
Compared to global spice leaders like India and Indonesia, Africa’s overall market share is smaller. However, Africa’s growth rate in the spice market is outpacing many regions, particularly in premium segments where consumers seek organic and ethically sourced products.
Looking forward, Africa’s spice industry is poised for even greater expansion. Projections suggest that, with continued investment in sustainable farming practices, enhanced processing facilities, and improved logistics, Africa’s spice exports could potentially double by 2030. Such growth would solidify Africa’s role as a critical player in the global spice trade, particularly as global consumers increasingly prioritise the ethical sourcing and organic production of their food.
While the outlook for Africa’s spice industry is promising, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. Inadequate cold chain infrastructure and transportation inefficiencies can compromise the quality of spices during transit, making it difficult for African spices to compete globally.
However, the continent’s unique spice offerings, combined with growing consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable food options, present a significant opportunity for African spices to gain a competitive edge. As investments in agriculture and trade infrastructure continue to grow, Africa is well-positioned to increase its share of the global spice market.
The rise of Africa’s spice exports is not just an economic story; it is a narrative of cultural richness, sustainability, and global connectivity, bringing the vibrant and diverse tastes of Africa to the rest of the world.
