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Cocoa prices have seen strength in the past week from concern about dry weather in West Africa that threatens the region's cocoa crops. There has been little to no precipitation over the past few weeks in the cocoa-growing areas of the Ivory Coast and Ghana, which could negatively impact the development of flowers and cherelles on cocoa plants. According to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, rainfall in the Ivory Coast and Ghana this season remains below the 30-year average, and combined with high temperatures, risks hurting cocoa pod development for the main crop harvest that starts in October.

Some imported products could become cheaper in the short term as US tariffs take effect and as countries grapple with surplus in products, diversification efforts and competition. South Africa was slapped with a 30% tariff on local goods, which officially took effect on 7 August. The country said it does not plan to retaliate against Washington, but is offering a revised trade deal, which would be mutually beneficial to both nations. South Africa’s trade partners, including China, are also enduring damaging tariffs from the US, while both Brazil and India are being hit with 50% tariffs. Vietnam and Japan are facing a 20% and 15% tariff, respectively.

Africa's Rice Bran Market Expected to Reach 2.1M Tons and $321M by 2035 Index Box has just published a new report: Africa - Rice Bran - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights. The article discusses the rising demand for rice bran in Africa, leading to a forecasted upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is expected to grow, with a projected CAGR of +1.3% in volume and +1.6% in value from 2024 to 2035.

KENYA – Kenya’s seed industry has made notable progress in maize research and production, offering farmers a wider choice of varieties. However, a new report reveals that other critical food crops such as beans and sorghum continue to face neglect due to limited breeding, weak funding, and low private-sector interest.

MENA's Cocoa Market to Grow at +1.2% CAGR, Reaching 408K Tons by 2035 Index Box has just published a new report: MENA - Chocolate And Other Food Preparations Containing Cocoa - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights. The MENA market for chocolate and cocoa-based products is poised for growth, with a projected volume of 408K tons and a value of $1.6B by the end of 2035.

South Africa’s summer grains and oilseed production for 2024-25 is projected at 18.74 million tonnes, marking a 21% increase from the previous year and a 2% rise since June, according to the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz).Maize output is forecast at 15.03 million tonnes, 17% higher than last season and exceeding national requirements of around 12 million tonnes, keeping the country on track as a net maize exporter. Soybean production is expected to reach 2.72 million tonnes, a 47% increase year-on-year.

Kolkata, Aug 28 (PTI) West Bengal-based rice manufacturer Bardhaman Agro Products on Thursday said it is exploring opportunities to set up rice mills in Africa, while also committing investments of around Rs 200-250 crore over the next five years to double its domestic capacity.

Africa Oil Corp’s recent earnings call presented a balanced perspective on the company’s performance. While the company is demonstrating strong financial discipline with substantial dividend distributions and successful debt reduction, challenges persist with slightly softer production volumes and revised financial guidance due to lower oil prices.

Sitting at the door of a house in Maputo, wreathed in the smoke of cashew nuts roasting, two women, both named Rosalina, support their families with a business that has spanned generations and is once again gaining traction in Mozambique: cashews.“I wake up at three in the morning to start cracking nuts, at that very time, not long ago,” Rosalina tells Lusa, sitting at the door of her home made of zinc sheet metal and already darkened by the constant soot.

Sugar Ethanol Bioenergy Int- Nu Agri Asia Corporation of the Philippines has announced a $250 million investment in Ghana’s agriculture sector, with a major focus on boosting sugar production. The move is part of the corporation’s broader plan to expand its footprint across Africa.According to Dr. Matins Abhulimhen, lead investor and president of Jose Global Consulting Limited, $129 million of the total investment will be used to establish a sugar mill capable of processing 10,000 tonnes of sugarcane daily.

Market Forecast Driven by increasing demand for pulses in Africa, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to accelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.9% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 29M tons by the end of 2035. In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +2.2% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $30B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.

South African sugar farmers are facing mounting pressure from both international tariffs and low-cost imports, forcing some to make difficult decisions about staffing and production. For many small-scale producers, the combination of these challenges threatens livelihoods and local employment. A worker inspects harvested sugarcane at Nkosinathi Msweli's farm in KwaDukuza, a rural region on South Africa's eastern coast, August 26, 2025.