The II International Conference Grain Trade Africa 2026 will take place on 24-25 June 2026, bringing together key players of the grain and oilseeds trade from Africa, the Black Sea region, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Africa remains one of the fastest-growing regions globally in terms of population and food consumption. According to international data, Sub-Saharan African countries imported over 30 million tons of wheat in the 2024/25 season – a record high. North Africa continues to rank among the world’s largest grain-importing regions, accounting for a substantial share of global demand.
Major markets such as Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt and South Africa significantly influence international trade flows. Algeria alone is projected to import more than 9 million tons of wheat in the 2025/26 season, while South Africa’s imports are expected to reach approximately 1.7 million tons. These dynamics underline Africa’s growing strategic importance for global exporters.
The conference will serve as a professional platform for direct dialogue between international exporters of grains and oilseeds and importers from across the African continent.
Key discussion areas will include:
- Grain production and import forecasts across African regions;
- Development of logistics corridors and port infrastructure;
- Trade finance, insurance and settlement mechanisms;
- Investment opportunities in grain and oilseed processing within Africa;
- Long-term strategies for sustainable export engagement with African markets.
Why Addis Ababa?
Ethiopia is one of the continent’s fastest-growing grain markets, driven by population growth and increasing food security needs. Addis Ababa, as a diplomatic and economic hub of Africa, provides strategic access to both East African markets and broader continental trade networks.
The city is served by Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, the main hub of Ethiopian Airlines, offering direct connections to Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America – ensuring convenient international access for participants.
Conference format
The first day will feature high-level panel discussions and analytical sessions focused on the most pressing issues of grain and oilseed trade with African countries, followed by the traditional Grain Gala Dinner.
The second day will be dedicated to informal networking among delegates, including a curated tour of Addis Ababa, fostering relationship-building beyond the formal conference agenda. The working languages of the conference will be English and Russian with simultaneous interpretation.
Grain Trade Africa 2026 aims not only to analyse trade flows, but to facilitate practical agreements and long-term partnerships between suppliers and African markets.
