Exports of agro-industrial products from Russia to Africa in 2023 grew by a quarter compared to the previous year and amounted to almost $6 billion, said Russian Deputy Minister of Agriculture Sergey Levin during a session at the ongoing St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2024).
"Last year, our exports to Africa grew by a quarter and almost reached $6 billion, 80% of which is wheat," Levin said.
He added, "What is interesting here is that we are also increasing our food purchases in Africa, and for the same last year we already exceeded the level of $2.1 billion, importing everything that does not grow in our country, such as fruits, vegetables, and cocoa beans, and we intend to develop this further."
"The dynamics of this year emphasize this fact because we have already traded with each other about $3 billion or even more in January-April 2024," Levin continued.
According to the minister, Africa is becoming an increasingly important market.