Africa (Sub-Sahara)

Rwanda is a growing economy with a young population and expanding retail sector that offers opportunities for U.S. agricultural and food exports. The country’s increasing demand for safe, high-quality products coupled with the growth of modern retail and e-commerce platforms creates favorable entry points.

Despite market volatility, and unstable policies, the European Union remains the largest importer of Tanzanian green coffee beans, buying six times as many beans as the United States.

FAS/Nairobi forecasts a 13.3 percent increase in Kenya’s coffee production in the marketing year (MY) 2025/26 to 850,000 bags due to improved farm practices, as farmers respond to high prices in MY 2024/25.

For Fiscal Year 2025, Food for Progress anticipates awarding five to seven new cooperative agreements, for projects of three- to five-years in duration. Priority countries include Colombia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, and Vietnam.

As with many farmers, JM Grain started out as a small farming business. The family started growing peas, lentils, and chickpeas for sustainability purposes because pulses put nitrogen in the soil and help to keep wheat or other crops free of disease.