The three countries with the largest trade surpluses in Africa are oil producers

Key takeaways

  • Angola's $23.8 billion surplus is nearly double Algeria’s
  • The top three countries are major oil exporters
  • Oil, minerals, and natural resources drive most surpluses
  • No North African country besides Algeria makes the top 10

Angola leads Africa’s trade surplus rankings, with other oil-producing countries taking the next two top spots. Mineral wealth boosts nations like Guinea and South Africa, while smaller economies like Ghana and Zambia still maintain positive balances. The rankings highlight how Africa’s trade surpluses rely heavily on natural resources.

Source:

World Bank

Period:

2023
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Agricultural products led Kenya’s 2024 export economy, with coffee, tea, and spices generating $1.7 bn
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Mining led South Africa’s 2024 exports with 18.7%, as gems and precious metals generated over $20 bn
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  • Vehicles and machinery were significant non-mineral exports, with a combined $18.3 billion.
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Cocoa accounted for 4.6% of Nigeria’s 2024 exports, making it the country’s second-largest export after oil
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Nigeria's energy goods imports have stayed low and stable for 7 years, while exports increased from ₦37B to ₦263B
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For most of the period (2013-H1 2025), China's share of Nigeria's imports from Asia hovers around 50%-55%, showing dominance
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Nigeria's agricultural imports' share has been dropping, from 83.9% (2017) to a low of 42.9% (H1 2025)
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