The top 10 okra exporting countries in Africa

Robert Gultig

18 April 2025

The top 10 okra exporting countries in Africa

User avatar placeholder
Written by Robert Gultig

18 April 2025

Introduction

Africa is known for its rich agricultural diversity, with many countries on the continent being key players in the global food market. One such crop that is widely exported from Africa is okra. Okra, also known as lady’s finger or gumbo, is a popular vegetable that is grown in many African countries and exported to various parts of the world. In this report, we will explore the top 10 okra exporting countries in Africa, providing insights into their production volumes, export values, and key industry players.

Nigeria

Production Volume and Export Value

Nigeria is the largest producer and exporter of okra in Africa. The country’s tropical climate and fertile soil make it an ideal environment for okra cultivation. Nigeria’s production volume of okra is estimated to be around 1.5 million metric tons per year, with an export value of over $100 million. The majority of Nigeria’s okra exports are destined for Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.

Key Industry Players

Some of the key players in Nigeria’s okra export industry include Dangote Group, Olam International, and Flour Mills of Nigeria. These companies have significant market share and play a crucial role in the distribution and export of Nigerian okra to international markets.

Ghana

Production Volume and Export Value

Ghana is another major player in the okra export market in Africa. The country produces around 300,000 metric tons of okra annually, with an export value of approximately $30 million. Ghana’s okra exports are primarily shipped to Europe, the United States, and Asia.

Key Industry Players

Some of the leading okra exporting companies in Ghana include Blue Skies, Groupe Nduom, and Nyonkopa Cocoa Buying Company. These companies have established strong relationships with international buyers and are known for their high-quality okra products.

Senegal

Production Volume and Export Value

Senegal is a significant okra exporter in Africa, with an annual production volume of around 200,000 metric tons and an export value of over $20 million. Senegal’s okra exports are mainly shipped to Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

Key Industry Players

Some of the key players in Senegal’s okra export industry include Socas SA, OCP Africa, and Compagnie Agricole de Saint-Louis. These companies have a strong presence in the international market and are known for their sustainable farming practices.

Benin

Production Volume and Export Value

Benin is also a significant okra exporter in Africa, with an annual production volume of around 150,000 metric tons and an export value of approximately $15 million. Benin’s okra exports are primarily destined for Europe, the United States, and Asia.

Key Industry Players

Some of the leading okra exporting companies in Benin include Benin Agriculture, Socoflam, and Groupe OLAM. These companies have a strong distribution network and are known for their high-quality okra products.

Cameroon

Production Volume and Export Value

Cameroon is a key player in the okra export market in Africa, with an annual production volume of around 120,000 metric tons and an export value of over $12 million. Cameroon’s okra exports are mainly shipped to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Key Industry Players

Some of the major okra exporting companies in Cameroon include Cameroon Development Corporation, Société de Plantations de Mbanga, and SOCAPALM. These companies have strong relationships with international buyers and are known for their sustainable farming practices.

South Africa

Production Volume and Export Value

South Africa is also a significant okra exporter in Africa, with an annual production volume of around 100,000 metric tons and an export value of approximately $10 million. South Africa’s okra exports are primarily shipped to Europe, the United States, and Asia.

Key Industry Players

Some of the leading okra exporting companies in South Africa include ZZ2, Westfalia Fruit, and Capespan. These companies have a strong presence in the international market and are known for their high-quality okra products.

Egypt

Production Volume and Export Value

Egypt is a significant okra exporter in Africa, with an annual production volume of around 80,000 metric tons and an export value of over $8 million. Egypt’s okra exports are mainly shipped to Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

Key Industry Players

Some of the major okra exporting companies in Egypt include Agro Star, Green Farm, and Fresh Electric. These companies have a strong distribution network and are known for their high-quality okra products.

Tanzania

Production Volume and Export Value

Tanzania is also a significant okra exporter in Africa, with an annual production volume of around 70,000 metric tons and an export value of approximately $7 million. Tanzania’s okra exports are primarily shipped to Europe, the United States, and Asia.

Key Industry Players

Some of the leading okra exporting companies in Tanzania include Africado, Mtanga Farms, and Sunripe. These companies have a strong presence in the international market and are known for their high-quality okra products.

Kenya

Production Volume and Export Value

Kenya is a significant okra exporter in Africa, with an annual production volume of around 60,000 metric tons and an export value of over $6 million. Kenya’s okra exports are mainly shipped to Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

Key Industry Players

Some of the major okra exporting companies in Kenya include Kenya Fresh Produce Exporters Ltd, VegPro Group, and East Africa Growers. These companies have a strong distribution network and are known for their high-quality okra products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top 10 okra exporting countries in Africa play a crucial role in the global okra market. These countries have significant production volumes and export values, with key industry players driving the growth of the okra export industry. By leveraging their agricultural resources and implementing sustainable farming practices, these countries continue to meet the demands of international markets for high-quality okra products.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
View Robert’s LinkedIn Profile →