Collection: Africa

Africa’s hot pepper markets are diverse and fast-evolving. Ghana is the continent’s leading chili exporter, with most of its fresh and processed exports going to the UK, France, and the Netherlands. Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa are key players—South Africa alone exports 22,000 tons of pepper, with domestic demand also growing rapidly at 4.8% CAGR.

While African hot peppers such as scotch bonnet, piri piri, bird’s eye, and cayenne are culinary staples, value chain development is aimed at traceability, climate resilience, and supply of both fresh and dried chilis to Europe and the Middle East. Imports supplement off-season or specialty variety demand.

Recent years have seen increased adoption of greenhouse technology and irrigation, plus digital tools for quality assurance and traceability—trends strengthening Africa’s position in global spice markets and bringing new opportunities for smallholder export participation.