More Than Just Food
Farming in Africa is often seen as solely focused on food production, but many farmers don’t realize the goldmine of raw materials they’re sitting on. These crops and natural resources are utilized in various industries, including cosmetics, construction, textiles, and medicine. Best part? They grow abundantly across African soil.
1. Cotton
Used in: Clothing, textiles, oil, animal feed
Countries: Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Mali, Benin
🔸 Cotton farming can be done on a large scale and is in high demand globally.
2. Rubber (Latex)
Used in: Tyres, gloves, footwear, industrial rubber
Countries: Nigeria, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire
🔸 Rubber trees yield for up to 25 years. Nigeria used to be a global leader—we can regain that glory.
3. Shea Nuts
Used in: Cosmetics, food products, pharmaceuticals
Countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Mali
🔸 Shea butter is a hot commodity in Europe and the USA. Organic and unrefined versions fetch even higher prices.
4. Gum Arabic
Used in: Pharmaceuticals, food, ink, adhesives
Countries: Sudan, Chad, Nigeria
🔸 One of the most underrated exports, gum arabic is a top natural stabilizer in food and drinks.
5. Hibiscus (Zobo)
Used in: Beverages, herbal medicine, cosmetics
Countries: Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt
🔸 Nigerian farmers are already exporting dried hibiscus petals to Mexico and Europe.
6. Cashew Nuts
Used in: Snacks, oil, animal feed
Countries: Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau
🔸 Raw cashew nuts are in high demand. Processed ones are even more valuable—more profit!
7. Bamboo
Used in: Furniture, construction, paper, biofuel
Countries: Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda
🔸 Grows fast, eco-friendly, and durable. Bamboo farming is becoming a game-changer in green construction.
8. Baobab Fruit
Used in: Superfood powders, oil, supplements
Countries: Senegal, Mali, Kenya, Nigeria
🔸 Often called the “Tree of Life,” baobab is rich in vitamin C and gaining attention in the health industry.
9. Medicinal Plants (Neem, Moringa, etc.)
Used in: Herbal medicine, organic pesticides, supplements
Countries: All over Africa
🔸 These plants fight everything from pests to diabetes and are great for organic farming systems.
10. Palm Products (Oil, Kernel, Wine)
Used in: Food, cosmetics, lubricants, soap
Countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon
🔸 With the right processing tools, palm produce can power a small industry.
Link to Past Blog Post
If you missed our post on how to process and export Garri and palm oil, go read it now. Many farmers are cashing out from exports with the right strategy.
Join the Npower Farmers Movement
We’re not just talking—we’re acting! Join us on our Telegram channel to learn how to connect your farm with buyers, exporters, and NGOs supporting raw material farming.
Final Thoughts
Africa is blessed with raw materials the world needs. As a farmer, don’t just think food—think industry and export. With the right information, you can start growing these cash-rich resources and create wealth beyond borders.