In 2025, Africa’s agricultural story is one of endurance, quiet heroism, and hope rooted in the soil. Across fields, plains, and rural communities, more than 60 percent of the continent’s workforce continued to till the land, feeding nations, sustaining livelihoods, and anchoring food security amid climate uncertainty and economic strain.
Agriculture’s gross production value reached an estimated $189 billion, reflecting resilience even as farmers contended with lean seasons, conflict disruptions, and rising demand.
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From South Africa’s rebounding grain belts to Nigeria’s steady growth of 3.75 percent, agriculture remained the backbone of survival and stability. Staples such as maize recovered to 17–18 million tonnes in key zones, while cassava reached record highs in field trials. Poultry and horticulture drove additional gains, underscoring the sector’s adaptability. Yet this progress unfolded alongside a sobering reality: over 282 million Africans, nearly one in five, faced undernourishment, with hunger deepening in conflict-affected regions. These parallel truths define 2025’s agricultural narrative, promise tempered by urgency.
Resilient Yields: Victories in Production and Innovation
Favorable rains and targeted policy interventions delivered tangible wins. South Africa recorded a 16 percent increase in maize output during rebound seasons, horticulture flourished, and citrus exports climbed despite lingering drought pressures. Nigeria’s agricultural sector contributed 31 percent of GDP, strengthened by localised supply chains and adaptive responses following currency devaluation. Ghana’s agricultural recovery supported broader economic stabilisation, while Tanzania and Ethiopia advanced cereal production, reinforcing regional food systems.
Innovation emerged as agriculture’s most powerful ally. Precision drones improved field mapping, solar irrigation systems reduced water use by up to 80 percent, and AI-powered advisory tools, such as virtual agronomists, placed real-time expertise in the hands of smallholders. Climate-smart farming initiatives in Rwanda and the Central African Republic tripled cassava yields in trials, reaching 50–62 tonnes per hectare. Women-led sustainable agriculture projects, from conservation farming to biofortified crops, reduced post-harvest losses, strengthened nutrition, and empowered entire communities.
Enduring Challenges: Climate, Access, and Vulnerability
Despite progress, structural barriers persist. Productivity growth continues to lag behind global averages, often driven by land expansion rather than yield efficiency. Climate volatility, droughts and floods, threatens 10–20 percent declines in staple crops by mid-century, placing millions at heightened risk during lean seasons, particularly in West and Central Africa. Insecurity, livestock disease outbreaks, financing gaps, and post-harvest losses further constrain progress, while rising imports strain national budgets amid population growth.
Horizons of Abundance: Pathways Forward
Looking toward 2026, momentum is building. AfCFTA integration, renewed CAADP commitments, and the scaling of agritech solutions promise stabilised funding, resilient crop varieties, and reduced import dependence through diversification. Sustainable intensification alone holds the potential to unlock trillions in long-term value, transforming agriculture from subsistence to prosperity.
These harvests honor Africa’s farmers, the steadfast hands nurturing hope against the odds. To sustain nations, investment must be bold and intentional: raise agricultural budgets toward 10 percent, expand innovation, protect farmers against shocks, and empower smallholders, especially women and youth. In doing so, Africa can transform vulnerability into enduring abundance for generations to come.
From Survival to Strategy: How African Businesses Closed the Year Strong
As 2025 draws to a close, Africa’s business and economic landscape reflects a decisive shift, from post-pandemic survival to deliberate strategy. Against a backdrop of global trade tensions, aid reductions, and geopolitical uncertainty, the continent delivered resilient growth anchored in reform, entrepreneurship, and regional integration. Africa’s GDP reached an estimated $2.8–3.1 trillion, with real growth accelerating to 3.9 percent, driven by 21 countries exceeding 5 percent growth and standouts such as Ethiopia, Niger, Rwanda, and Senegal nearing 7 percent.
Intra-African trade rose 12.4 percent to $220 billion, fueled by AfCFTA momentum, while startups attracted billions in fintech and renewable energy investments, minting new unicorns and redefining scale. Stock markets outperformed global peers, with Malawi (+260 percent YTD), Ghana (+76 percent), and Zambia (+63 percent) leading remarkable rallies. These gains celebrate entrepreneurial grit and policy pivots that turned adversity into advantage.
Resilient Rebounds: Key Economic and Business Milestones
Businesses navigated volatility with agility. Africa’s largest economies, South Africa (~$410 billion GDP), Egypt (~$348 billion), Algeria, Nigeria, and Morocco, anchored macroeconomic stability, while fast-growing markets injected dynamism. Foreign direct investment into COMESA surged to a record $65 billion, capturing 67 percent of continental inflows, largely through renewable energy and infrastructure mega-projects.
The startup ecosystem thrived. January funding alone reached $289 million, a 3.5-fold increase year-on-year. Fintech leaders such as Moniepoint, TymeBank, and OPay processed billions in transactions, expanding financial inclusion for millions. AfCFTA implementation deepened, with over 31 countries trading under guided initiatives, boosting manufacturing, which now accounts for 46 percent of intra-African exports, and projecting $276 billion in additional trade by 2045.
Stock exchanges dazzled, with markets in Nigeria (+39 percent YTD), Kenya, and Morocco rallying on reforms, improved earnings, and investor confidence.
Strategic Pivots: Overcoming Challenges with Wins
The year was not without strain. High debt servicing, consuming 27.5 percent of government revenues, persistent inflation in 15 countries, early-year FDI declines, and aid reductions tested resilience. Conflicts and currency pressures slowed some large economies. Yet strategy prevailed. Diversification into green minerals, Africa holding nearly 10 percent of potential $16 trillion global revenues, digital finance expansion, and AfCFTA-driven regional trade helped offset global protectionism and external shocks.
Horizons of Prosperity: Outlook into 2026
The outlook for 2026 is cautiously optimistic. Growth is projected to exceed 4 percent, funding is expected to stabilize at $3.5–4 billion with M&A activity dominating, and AfCFTA could unlock a $450 billion GDP boost by 2035. Fintech, renewables, and green manufacturing are poised for explosive growth, while reform-driven markets continue to lead.
The transition from survival to strategy defines Africa’s business story in 2025. It is a testament to resilience, innovation, and integration. As 2026 dawns, the path forward is clear: deepen reforms, scale AfCFTA, attract sustainable capital, and empower SMEs. In doing so, Africa can sustain momentum and convert resilience into shared prosperity across the continent.