Africa’s Fastest-Growing Trading Nations: Top 10 Countries Driving Global Trade

A new report by DHL Trade Atlas 2025 places several African nations among the world’s fastest‑growing trading economies. The study highlights a continent on the cusp of a trade renaissance: Sub‑Saharan Africa’s trade is projected to grow at 5.3 % compound annual growth between 2024 and 2029, far faster than the 0.8 % achieved between 2019 and 2024. Despite the headwinds of high logistics costs and climate shocks, the region is leveraging its vast natural resources, agricultural exports, and improved logistics links to become a pivotal player in the global economy.

Top 10 Fastest‑Growing Trading Nations (2019‑2024 growth rates)

1. Democratic Republic of the Congo – Recorded 16 % trade growth between 2019 and 2024, with growth projected to slow to around 10 % from 2024‑29; the boom is driven by exports of copper and cobalt, which are critical for electric‑vehicle batteries and renewable‑energy technologies (ghanaweb.com.)

2. Zimbabwe – Achieved 14 % growth in 2019‑24 and is expected to accelerate to 16 % in 2024‑29; its surge comes from mineral exports (gold, platinum and nickel) coupled with a rebound in agriculture.

3. Liberia – Grew 13 % over 2019‑24 but is projected to moderate to 5 % through 2029; mineral exports and maritime trade through its flag‑of‑convenience shipping registry underpin its expansion.

4. Côte d’Ivoire – Posted 11 % growth and is forecast to expand by about 6 % between 2024 and 2029; as the world’s largest cocoa producer, alongside cashew and rubber exports, it leverages agricultural dominance to drive trade.

5. Rwanda – Registered 9 % growth and is projected to hover near 5 %; gold, tin and tantalum exports, along with a growing role in regional logistics, boost its trading profile.

6. Guinea – Saw 8 % growth with projections around 7 % for 2024‑29; bauxite exports—central to global aluminium production—are its primary trade driver.

7. Tanzania – Grew 7 % and is forecast to reach 8 %; gold, cashew and coffee exports combined with infrastructure investment are propelling trade flows.

8. Togo – Experienced 6 % growth and is projected to hit 7 %; phosphates, cotton and port‑driven trade activity form the backbone of its expansion.

9. Mozambique – Notched 6 % growth, with projections of 7 %; aluminium, coal and emerging natural‑gas exports are key to its trade momentum.

10. Senegal – Grew 5 % and is expected to jump to 9 % by 2029; phosphates, gold and fishery products drive its trading future.

Opportunities Driving Growth

Africa’s trade boom is being propelled by several interconnected trends:

• Critical Minerals for the Green Transition: Countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Guinea are key suppliers of cobalt, copper and bauxite — minerals essential for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. As the world decarbonises, demand for these resources is rising, making Africa central to the green‑energy supply chain.
• Agricultural Exports: Côte d’Ivoire’s dominance in cocoa, cashews and rubber, along with Senegal’s fisheries and gold exports, highlight Africa’s importance in global food and commodity markets. With global food demand growing, African producers are poised to gain market share.
• Logistics and Ports: Liberia’s maritime registry and Togo’s port‑driven trade illustrate how shipping and logistics are fueling economic expansion. Investment in transport corridors, digital customs systems and regional trade pacts is improving the flow of goods across borders.
• Regional Integration: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to harmonise tariffs and boost intra‑African trade, unlocking new regional supply chains. Countries such as Rwanda and Tanzania are positioning themselves as logistics hubs for the East African Community.

Challenges and Risks

While growth prospects are strong, the report cautions that many fast‑growing nations remain vulnerable due to:

• Commodity Dependence: Heavy reliance on raw material exports leaves economies exposed to price volatility and global demand shifts. Diversifying into processing and manufacturing is critical for long‑term resilience.
• High Logistics Costs: Transport costs in Africa are up to five times higher per unit distance than in the U.S., and logistics expenses are estimated to be 40–60 % above the global average. Upgrading infrastructure and streamlining customs procedures will be essential to reduce costs.
• Climate Shocks: Droughts, floods and other climate‑related events threaten agricultural output and supply chains, underscoring the need for adaptation strategies.

Why This Matters

For Africans at home and abroad, the surge in trade growth offers both opportunity and responsibility. The rise of countries like the DRC, Zimbabwe and Liberia signals that African economies can no longer be dismissed as peripheral in global commerce. This momentum can create jobs, attract investment and fund social programmes across the continent. But to fully realise these benefits, governments and businesses must focus on value‑addition, logistics efficiency and sustainable development. The future of global trade may well depend on how Africa manages its natural wealth and navigates its vulnerabilities.

The figures underscore how African nations are leveraging rich mineral endowments, agricultural outputs and improved logistics to achieve double‑digit trade growth rates, even as they start from relatively small trade volumes. The report notes that these fast risers reflect regional integration and growing demand for commodities such as copper, cobalt, bauxite, cocoa and cashew nuts.