Agriculture remains the backbone of many developing economies. In Africa, for example, farming provides roughly 60% of employment and often contributes the largest share of GDP. Yet much of this sector’s value is still locked in raw commodities. Transforming crops into higher-value products can dramatically raise farm incomes and national export earnings. In Nigeria, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has helped modernize cassava mills and train young engineers to maintain equipment. The IITA youth agripreneurs program now runs processing facilities that “produce new value-added products from cassava”, turning root crops into gari, flour, and starch. These efforts have boosted productivity and quality, enabling Nigerian farmers to reach larger domestic and export markets. Likewise, in East Africa, Uganda’s innovators are extracting fiber from banana stems, a waste byproduct of the country’s vast banana plantations, to weave rugs, mats, and even natural textiles, creating jobs for rural women and youth.

Small farmers and small processors lose a large share of potential income because of familiar, fixable problems: poor roads and transport, lack of storage, information gaps, weak bargaining power, and costly buyer requirements. Breaking Barriers pulls together proven, on-the-ground examples and practical steps that real producer groups and companies have used to change that — from Ghana’s cooperatives that co-own brands, to India’s village kiosks, Kenya’s aggregation networks, solar cold rooms in Nigeria, and franchise-style agribusiness and insurance models in Africa and Latin America.

Africa stands at a pivotal moment. With 60 % of the world’s uncultivated farmland and an agricultural workforce that underpins 35 % of GDP, the continent should be feeding itself—and beyond. Yet structural obstacles, from fragmentary supply chains to climate shocks, leave Africa importing $78 billion in food and facing chronic food insecurity. Our global diaspora—160 million strong, sending home nearly $100 billion annually—represents a reservoir of investment capital, cutting-edge skills, and vital market connections.

On June 12, 2025, China announced a sweeping zero-tariff policy on agricultural imports from all 53 African nations it recognizes. This landmark decision represents far more than a simple trade adjustment—it's a strategic realignment that removes financial barriers while signaling China's commitment to diversifying its food supply chains and deepening economic partnerships across the African continent. The announcement came during China's ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on traditional agricultural suppliers and build more resilient food security networks. With China's food import bill exceeding $150 billion annually and a growing middle class demanding diverse, high-quality agricultural products, African nations now have unprecedented access to the world's second-largest economy.

Africa is on the verge of becoming a global leader in animal protein exports, with markets like the EU, China, and the Gulf offering huge opportunities. Backed by innovation, sustainable practices, and strategic partnerships, the continent is redefining its agro-economic future.

Ongoing shifts in U.S. trade policy, higher export tariffs and intermittent certification delays have prompted many buyers, especially in the Global South, to reassess their reliance on American farm and food shipments. This disruption has created a window of opportunity for exporters in Asia and Africa to position themselves as reliable, cost‑competitive suppliers of key agricultural commodities, meat and poultry products.

Cambodia currently ranks 10th among the world’s largest rice producers, both for domestic consumption and export, according to the Cambodia Rice Federation. In 2022 alone, the nation exported approximately 630,000 tonnes of milled rice, generating revenues exceeding $400 million. This remarkable achievement stems from deliberate and strategic policies under the visionary leadership of former Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, who prioritized the development of the agricultural sector as a cornerstone of national growth. For African nations grappling with the dual challenges of food insecurity and heavy reliance on rice imports, a commodity with annual import bills exceeding $5 billion for Sub-Saharan Africa, Cambodia’s success offers a valuable roadmap.

African exporters of agricultural and agrifood products often purchase raw materials locally in their domestic currencies (such as CFA franc, Naira, Cedi, Shilling, etc.) and sell internationally in US dollars. But when the US dollar weakens against African currencies, it has major consequences on profitability and competitiveness. Understanding this dynamic — and adjusting strategy — is critical to staying resilient and profitable.

African soybean exporters are seizing the opportunity to redefine global market dynamics by leveraging their non‑GMO, sustainable production. With advancements in seed quality through regional research, strategic partnerships for technology transfer, and a focus on competitive pricing and value‑added processing, Africa is emerging as a formidable alternative to traditional U.S. soybean exports. Enhanced supply chains, government support, and market‑specific customization further bolster their competitive edge in key import markets such as China, Japan, and South Korea.

African palm oil producers are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the growing global demand for edible oils. With favorable growing conditions and an expanding agro-industrial base, Africa’s palm oil industry has the potential to tap into established markets around the world. This paper examines the top 10 importing countries for edible oils, identifies strategic opportunities for African palm oil exporters, and outlines actionable strategies based on successful experiences and lessons learned from past export initiatives. In addition, it highlights the top 10 African countries with significant potential to emerge as key exporters of edible palm oil.

Global maize demand is surging, driven by a myriad of factors including population growth, rising food consumption, and the expanding use of maize in industrial applications such as corn oil production. With world manufacturers seeking monthly quantities exceeding 100,000 MT, this market trend is creating unprecedented opportunities for small farmers and cooperatives around the globe. By adapting to modern agricultural practices, developing locally adapted maize seeds, and forming strategic partnerships, these producers can transform local agriculture into a robust contributor to the global supply chain.

Agriculture remains the economic cornerstone for millions in developing nations, yet smallholder farmers grapple with challenges like limited technological access, climate volatility, and market exclusion. Amid these hurdles, innovative partnerships between governments, research institutions, NGOs, and the private sector are driving transformative change. By analyzing success stories from Southeast Asia, Africa, and beyond, this paper distills actionable models that blend cutting-edge research with collaborative frameworks to enhance productivity, sustainability, and equity. In an era of climate crises and population growth, scaling such partnerships is not merely beneficial, it is imperative.

India, with its growing economy and large consumer base, offers a promising export destination for African agribusiness firms. Under initiatives like the Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme and the Global System of Trade Preferences (GSTP), African exporters have access to reduced or zero tariffs, particularly for Least Developed Countries (LDCs). This presents a golden opportunity for African agricultural businesses to tap into India's demand for products like pulses, oilseeds, spices, fruits, nuts, coffee, and more. To succeed, however, African agribusiness firms must adopt strategic approaches to effectively navigate the Indian market's complexities and capitalize on its immense potential.

This article synthesizes actionable strategies for agribusinesses and cooperatives, drawing on successful case studies from Chile, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and others. By integrating lessons on technology adoption, value chain collaboration, and market readiness, firms can overcome barriers and capitalize on global demand.

Global markets offer substantial prospects for developing nations to export a diverse range of fresh fruits—including mangoes, pineapples, papayas, and various exotic tropical produce. Consumer demand in key regions such as the European Union, North America, China, Japan, and South Korea is driven by an increasing appetite for nutritious, year‐round, and distinctive fruits. However, successfully tapping these markets requires navigating strict regulatory environments, intricate logistics, and other market-specific hurdles. This article examines these prospects and obstacles while proposing practical solutions.

Sorghum, one of the world’s most drought-resistant crops, holds untapped potential for farmers' cooperatives and agribusiness firms in developing countries. Its resilience in the face of climate change, combined with its broad applicability across industries, positions it as a valuable export commodity. Sorghum, particularly white and red varieties, is increasingly sought after in global markets, spanning the food, beverage, and cosmetic sectors.

Shea butter, often referred to as "women's gold," has become a beacon of hope for small producers and agricultural cooperatives across West Africa. As global demand for natural, sustainable, and ethically sourced products continues to rise, shea butter offers a unique opportunity for local communities to not only participate in the global economy but also drive sustainable development. This article explores proven strategies and actionable insights for West African shea butter producers to unlock their full potential in the international market. Through real-world success stories, we’ll uncover how quality, innovation, and collaboration can transform challenges into opportunities, empowering producers to thrive while preserving their cultural heritage and natural resources.

Africa’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the continent’s economy, employing over 60% of its population and contributing significantly to food security and livelihoods. Yet, smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of this sector, face immense challenges. Limited access to resources, unpredictable markets, climate change, and isolation often leave them trapped in cycles of poverty and food insecurity. However, amidst these challenges lies a transformative solution: farmer cooperatives. By uniting their efforts, smallholder farmers can amplify their voices, share resources, and access opportunities that were once out of reach. This article explores how cooperatives are empowering African farmers, fostering resilience, and driving sustainable development across the continent.

In recent years, the global trade of fresh fruits has seen a significant rise, driven by increasing demand for exotic and seasonal produce. However, this growth has also attracted fraudulent activities, particularly targeting exporters who rely on Payment Against Documents (PAD) for air cargo shipments. PAD, while convenient, presents unique vulnerabilities due to the rapid transit times of air freight, which often outpaces the verification of payment. This creates a window of opportunity for fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting exporters, leading to substantial financial losses. This article delves into the critical risks associated with PAD transactions for fresh fruit exporters, explores real-world fraud cases, and provides actionable strategies to safeguard your business. By understanding these risks and implementing robust preventative measures, exporters can protect their assets, maintain profitability, and build trust in international trade relationships.

The global demand for dried cassava chips has surged in recent years, driven by China’s growing need for bio-ethanol production, food products, and animal feed. This presents a golden opportunity for African cassava producers to expand their market reach and boost economic growth. Chinese manufacturers are willing to order between 50,000 to 100,000 metric tons (MT) of dried cassava chips per month, with contracts spanning 3 to 5 years. However, despite this immense potential, African exporters face significant challenges that hinder their ability to fully capitalize on this opportunity. This article explores the key challenges African cassava producers face in exporting to China and provides actionable strategies to overcome them. By addressing these obstacles, Africa can position itself as a competitive player in the global Cassava market and unlock its vast agricultural potential.

The agricultural sector, while foundational to global economies, is fraught with challenges that test the resilience and ingenuity of young agripreneurs and cooperatives. From volatile market conditions to unpredictable environmental factors, the journey to establishing a successful agricultural enterprise is akin to navigating a battlefield. Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, a timeless treatise on strategy and leadership, offers profound insights that can be adapted to the agricultural domain. By applying its principles, meticulous planning, adaptability, effective leadership, strategic marketing, and winning without fighting, young agricultural enterprises and cooperatives can not only survive but thrive in this competitive landscape. This article explores how these principles can be practically implemented, supported by real-world case studies and lessons learned.

Winston Churchill once said, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts”. This sentiment rings especially true in agribusiness, a sector facing challenges like climate change, market volatility, and regulatory hurdles. Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities for growth, innovation, and sustainability. This guide is a roadmap for small farmers and agribusinesses to transform setbacks into steppingstones for success. Packed with actionable strategies, real-life examples, and lessons learned, it shows how embracing failure, fostering innovation, and collaborating effectively can build resilience and drive sustainable growth. Whether you’re a smallholder farmer or an agribusiness owner, this guide will equip you to thrive in the face of adversity.

China’s ambitious goals to strengthen political and commercial ties with Africa have paved the way for African agribusinesses to explore the Chinese market. With its immense population and growing demand for agricultural products, China offers a lucrative opportunity for African exports, supported by initiatives like preferential shipping rates by COSCO and streamlined customs registration through the GACC. These efforts align with China's broader policy to diversify its agricultural imports while enhancing trade relations with Africa.

Cocoa is far more than the key ingredient in chocolate; it is a source of untapped economic potential that could revolutionize industries beyond confectionery. As the world’s largest cocoa producer, Ivory Coast, alongside other West African nations such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon, stands at the crossroads of an opportunity to maximize the value of cocoa by-products. These materials, currently considered waste in many cases, could create entirely new industries in food, cosmetics, and beyond. However, to fully unlock this potential, it will require a unified effort from global investors, local entrepreneurs, governments, and innovators willing to share their knowledge and experience.

While East Africa and Latin America are often highlighted as leaders in coffee production, West Africa, particularly countries like Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Togo, has the necessary foundations to significantly increase its coffee production. Côte d'Ivoire, with an annual production of 1 to 2 million bags, is already a regional leader. Yet, the country and its neighbors have much more to offer. Currently, West Africa produces around 2 to 3 million bags per year, a tiny fraction of global production. This represents a tremendous opportunity for the region.

The increasing demand for white sesame seeds in international markets such as South Korea, China, Japan, and India presents a lucrative opportunity for West African farmers and agribusiness stakeholders. To seize this opportunity and maximize export potential, agribusiness firms and agricultural cooperatives can adopt the following strategies: