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Sub-Saharan Africa’s wheat sector is expanding rapidly, driven by demographics, urbanization, and changing consumption patterns. Imports are increasing steadily, supply routes are shifting, and the milling sector is consolidating around a handful of strong, well-capitalized players.

Few countries shape global wheat trade like Egypt. Still the world’s largest wheat importer — buying around 12–13 MMT annually — Egypt remains the ultimate benchmark for MENA grain trade, with every procurement reform in Cairo sending ripples through global markets.

Driven by rising needs in Egypt, China, and Southeast Asia, global wheat trade is set to climb to the third-highest level on record.

In its latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Report (WASDE), released on September 12, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) revised down its forecasts for global wheat supply, consumption, exports and ending stocks for the 2023/24 season.