Morocco emerges as Africa’s main hub for US wheat
Morocco has completed all its US wheat imports for 2025 on time and without cancellations, standing out as one of Africa’s most reliable grain buyers, according to a Business Insider Africa dated January 12th via the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Data from the USDA shows Morocco received its full contracted volume of 61,700 tonnes of US wheat between June and mid-December. The agency described the deliveries as being carried out “on schedule and in full,” at a time when many countries across Africa faced delays due to port congestion, financing problems and unstable shipping costs.
According to APA News, agricultural analysts now rank Morocco third on the continent for reliability and delivery efficiency in US grain imports. The country’s performance comes as wheat shipments in the rest of Africa were disrupted throughout 2025, affecting the steady supply of basic food staples.
Analysts say Morocco’s strong footing reflects careful planning, close tracking of shipping movements and an efficient import system. These factors helped limit risks regarding global grain trade, even as supply chains elsewhere struggled. Moreover, Morocco’s 2026 growth projection surpasses the global trend and is expected to break into the top 60 global economies by 2040.
Morocco’s record comes amid a sharp rise in African demand for American wheat. USDA figures show total US wheat exports to Africa reached about 1.71 million tonnes in the 2025/26 season, up from roughly 450,000 tonnes in the previous cycle. In addition, Morocco boosted investment in Africa.
Nigeria remains Africa’s largest importer of US wheat, followed by South Africa. Demand has also increased in Egypt, Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting the continent’s growing dependence on imported grain.
Morocco is also working to protect its food supply from global price swings and political risks. The government is diversifying where it buys wheat, rather than depending on a single source. Authorities plan to secure around 3.5 million tonnes of French soft wheat for the remainder of the financial year of 2025/26.
By balancing supplies between North America and Europe, Morocco aims to ensure a steady flow of wheat for bread and flour production at home. Officials say this approach helps protect the domestic market from unexpected challenges related to weather, conflict or shipping disruptions.
Business Insider Africa, APA News, Maghrebi.org
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