Attachments
Key highlights from this edition include:
Food Commodity Prices Updates
Food prices across East Africa exhibited a general upward trend, influenced by persistent conflict, macroeconomic instability, seasonal variability, and currency fluctuations. Maize prices increased in all monitored countries, with South Sudan recording the highest at USD 850/MT, largely due to currency depreciation and disrupted oil revenues. Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda also experienced price hikes, with Rwanda's increase attributed to rising fuel and transport costs. Rice prices followed a similar pattern, with Kenya registering the highest at USD 1,261/MT, while South Sudan maintained the lowest despite broader economic challenges. Bean prices showed mixed dynamics: Kenya and Rwanda experienced slight declines due to seasonal harvests, whereas Uganda saw a modest increase linked to constrained supply. Wheat prices diverged, decreasing in Kenya due to global supply surpluses, while Ethiopia experienced a marginal rise driven by regional demand. Overall, food prices remain elevated, particularly in South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda, reflecting ongoing structural and economic pressures across the region.
In Southern Africa, food prices showed mixed trends, with notable increases in maize and rice prices in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, driven by currency fluctuations, seasonal harvest dynamics, and supply constraints. Maize prices surged most sharply in Mozambique (46.6%) and Zambia (31.8%), while Zimbabwe's remained stable. Rice prices rose in Zimbabwe and Malawi but declined in Mozambique due to improved imports. Bean prices were stable in Zimbabwe, fell in Mozambique, and rose in Malawi, reflecting varied supply conditions. Despite recent harvests, elevated prices in several countries highlight ongoing market pressures and concerns over food access.
In West Africa, food prices across West Africa showed mixed trends across key staples. Maize prices declined in Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo, driven by improved supply, favourable harvests, and currency appreciation. Ghana saw a 6.6% drop to USD 612/MT, while Nigeria and Togo recorded sharper declines of 15.8% and 17.7%, respectively. Rice prices exhibited regional variation: Ghana and Togo experienced moderate increases due to rising demand and currency effects, while Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso saw price declines, reflecting improved local supply and trade conditions. Millet prices rose modestly in Nigeria, Niger, and Mali, but declined in Burkina Faso, indicating localized supply dynamics. Sorghum prices decreased in Ghana, Nigeria, and Niger, while increasing in Mali and Burkina Faso, with localized market pressures evident in Burkina Faso's Kongoussi and Tenkodogo markets. Overall, the data reflects a combination of seasonal, economic, and regional factors influencing food price movements across West Africa.
Food Security Updates
East Africa is facing worsening food insecurity from June to September 2025, driven by conflict, climate shocks, and the lean season. South Sudan is in crisis, with escalating conflict, displacement, and limited humanitarian access fueling hunger, malnutrition, and mortality. Famine (IPC Phase 5) is a risk in Nasir and Ulang counties due to conflict, disrupted supply routes, and expected flooding. Ethiopia remains a major concern, especially for rural communities, IDPs, and refugees in conflict-and drought-affected areas.
Food security across Southern Africa presents a mixed picture. While recently concluded harvests in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe are generally improving food availability and driving down prices, boosting overall food security, the situation is less positive in specific areas. Southern Malawi and northern Mozambique are experiencing tempered improvements due to weather-affected crop yields.
Humanitarian food assistance needs remain atypically high across West Africa due to conflict, localized flooding, and displacement. In the Sahel, these shocks are expected to lead to a further increase in needs during the lean season, with affected households depleting food stocks early and facing high food prices. Needs are expected to stabilize in parts of the Gulf of Guinea with the start of seasonal harvests. Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria are areas of high concern.
Food Trade Updates
- The East African Community (EAC) has endorsed a groundbreaking Cross-border Payment System Masterplan, a bold five-year strategy designed to enhance the speed, affordability, and security of regional transactions. Approved during the 28th Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Monetary Affairs Committee (MAC) in May 2025, the initiative aims to tackle one of the most persistent barriers to intra-regional trade: inefficient and expensive cross-border payment systems.
- Starting next financial year, the Ugandan government will require all grain traded within or outside the country to carry a Quality Mark (Q-mark). The move aims to restore confidence in Uganda's grain exports following concerns from regional markets over substandard grain quality.
- Mozambique has officially dispatched its first shipment of goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), marking a significant step toward strengthening intra-African trade and deepening regional economic integration. The shipment, destined for Kenya, represents a major milestone in Mozambique's engagement with the AfCFTA framework and underscores its commitment to the continent's unified trade agenda.
- Nigeria and Benin have signed a new bilateral agreement aimed at strengthening their partnership and advancing regional integration in West Africa. The agreement was formalized on 21 June during the inaugural West Africa Economic Summit (WAES 2025). It focuses on facilitating trade, enhancing infrastructure development, and promoting greater regional cohesion.
- Nigeria and the Republic of Rwanda have signed a bilateral agreement to eliminate double taxation and prevent tax evasion. Described as a vital instrument for fostering cross-border investment, the agreement aims to provide tax certainty and protect individuals and businesses from being taxed twice on the same income.