West Africa (16)
East Africa (10)
Central Africa (8)
Southern Africa (10)
North Africa (6)
Island Nations (4)
Know exactly which documents you need to export crops, grains, and commodities from any of Africa's 54 countries. From phytosanitary certificates to AfCFTA certificates of origin.
Choose from any of Africa's 54 countries where you are exporting from.
Select the crop/commodity and destination market (EU, US, Africa, etc.).
Get a complete, country-specific checklist with who issues each document and estimated costs.
Tick off documents as you obtain them. Print the complete checklist for your export file.
Exporting agricultural products from Africa is one of the most lucrative opportunities for African farmers, agribusinesses, and traders — but navigating the export documentation requirements is a major barrier. Every country has different agencies, different commodity-specific requirements, and different trade agreements. This tool cuts through the complexity with a precise, country-specific checklist covering every document you need.
While requirements vary by country, most African agricultural exports require a core set of documents: business registration, an export licence or permit, a phytosanitary certificate (plant health certificate from the national plant protection organisation), a certificate of origin, a customs export declaration, a commercial invoice and packing list, a bill of lading or airway bill, a quality/grade certificate, a fumigation certificate, a weight certificate, and an insurance certificate.
Additionally, country-specific agencies — such as NEPC in Nigeria, KEPHIS in Kenya, COCOBOD in Ghana, or PPECB in South Africa — impose additional requirements for specific commodities or export controls.
A phytosanitary certificate is issued by the national plant protection organisation (NPPO) after a government inspector examines your agricultural products and certifies they are free from pests and diseases. It is required by virtually all importing countries under the WTO's Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement. Without it, your cargo will be refused entry at the destination port. The EU has the strictest requirements — failure to comply can get your country blacklisted from exporting certain commodities to Europe.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Certificate of Origin is a special certificate that qualifies your exports for reduced or zero import duties when trading between African countries. AfCFTA has been operational since January 2021 and covers all 54 AU member states. For intra-African agricultural exports, the AfCFTA CoO can eliminate import duties that would otherwise be 5%–35% of cargo value — a significant saving that makes African products more competitive within the continent.
Yes. The EU has the most stringent requirements, including EU MRL (Maximum Residue Level) compliance testing for pesticide residues — done by an accredited laboratory. The EU importer must also file an entry notification through the TRACES NT system. For the US, your importer must file FDA Prior Notice. For Middle East countries (GCC), processed food products may require Halal certification. For intra-African trade under AfCFTA or ECOWAS/EAC/SADC, you need the relevant preferential Certificate of Origin.
For a first-time exporter, assembling all required documents typically takes 3–6 weeks. Business registration and export licence applications take the longest (1–4 weeks). Phytosanitary inspections are usually done within 2–5 days of booking. Experienced exporters with standing approvals and existing relationships with inspection agencies can get everything done in 2–3 weeks. Using a licensed customs broker (clearing agent) significantly speeds up the process.
Several African countries have commodity boards that regulate the export of specific crops — typically cocoa, coffee, cashew, cotton, and tea. Examples: Ghana's COCOBOD for cocoa, Kenya's AFA/Coffee Directorate for coffee, Uganda's UCDA for coffee, and Nigeria's NEPC/NAQS for various commodities. These boards issue commodity-specific export licences, conduct quality grading, and may control export quotas. You must obtain the commodity board licence before shipping. This tool shows you which commodity board applies to your country and product.