The Top Six Major Goods Imported to Africa

Africa is a continent filled with major opportunities and potential for business and trade, and according to Africa’s import and export statistics, here are the major products you can import to the African market.

1. Automobiles

Due to the high level of economic growth and urbanisation, which has led to a rise in income levels, more people are now able to purchase vehicles both for personal and commercial purposes.

Major import firms in Africa used to focus on high-end buyers, who can afford expensive models and brands. However, in more recent times, importers are starting to cater to the middle class, by bringing in used vehicles from China and Japan.

2. Computers and Other IT Products

Africa has one of the highest growth rates for IT products in the world as a result of an ongoing computerization trend that has taken hold throughout the continent. This has caused multi-national manufacturers to concentrate their efforts on the market, producing in great quantities items specifically targeting the African market.

Few of the manufacturers of IT equipment in Africa have been unable to keep up with the level of demand in the market and this has caused most traders to have to import.

3. Clothing and Fashion Accessories

Opportunities exist also in the fashion and textile industry for export to Africa. Clothes have gained popularity as a status and wealth symbol. In a bid to keep up with the ever-evolving trends in the fashion world Africans are highly interested in purchasing the most exclusive labels from the world’s top fashion hotspots.

4. Pharmaceuticals

There is a huge gap in the demand and supply chain as Africa does not have many manufacturers of pharmaceuticals. Most pharmaceutical imports on the African continent are from India and China. These two countries are the world’s biggest manufacturing hubs for generic drugs and hence. Pharmaceutical African imports represent around $17 billion annually.

5. Machinery and Engineering Products

Africa lacks the strong and diversified base that is necessary for the production of most of its engineering products. As a result of the rapid urbanization in Africa, these machinery and engineering products are the materials needed for the manufacturing of other products. Manufacturing countries like China and India are the biggest exporters of machinery and engineering products to Africa.

6. Chemicals

The demand for chemicals in the African market has exceeded its supply by far. The agricultural sector is one of the areas of the African economy that has created a great need for chemical products.

There is a growing trend in the use of modern agricultural methods that utilize organic chemicals to a greater degree than ever before. The cosmetics industry is also growing rapidly and there is an increased need for raw materials to manufacture soap, colognes, makeup, and various toiletries.

Whether you are importing or exporting to Africa, with AZA Finance, you can seamlessly pay your suppliers and vendors. Our unique services which include payments, foreign exchange & treasury services have enabled over 26,000 businesses across Africa to expand into frontier markets.

To learn more, request a call and we will have a payment expert reach out and help you with your cross-border payment needs.