Geostrategic Media Political Commentary, Analysis, Security, Defense
Across Africa, a new economic dilemma is taking shape. Squeezed between the allure of import substitution and the reality of entrenched dependency, many countries are pivoting away from traditional trade partners in the United States and Europe toward a patchwork of bilateral agreements with Russia, China, and other Global South nations. At first glance, these partnerships promise immediate relief for consumer demand—but they risk entrenching the very dependency they seek to avoid.
Take Ghana as a case in point. Despite bold domestic initiatives aimed at boosting local agriculture—President John Mahama’s Grow 24 program and the 24-Hour Economy agenda—Ghana remains heavily reliant on imports for basic foodstuffs. In early December 2025, Mahama called on citizens to embrace farming, offering state-backed credit and modern tools to stimulate local production. Yet the country continues to import massive quantities of poultry, wheat, and other staples, notably from Russia.
Russian poultry, particularly from the Rostov region, now plays a critical role in meeting Ghana’s demand, alongside other African markets including Angola, Nigeria, and Cote d’Ivoire. The Russian government and private exporters have seized this opportunity, boosting exports of grains, meat, dairy, and vegetable oils. For Moscow, Africa represents both a lucrative market and a strategic lever in expanding its economic footprint. Estimates suggest Russia could earn upwards of $15 billion annually from African agricultural exports.
The broader pattern is clear: African governments are caught between the need for immediate food security and the long-term imperative of agricultural self-sufficiency. By relying on imports from powers like Russia, countries risk perpetuating structural dependencies, leaving local farmers under-supported and domestic production underdeveloped. This is particularly striking given Africa’s vast arable land and human capital, resources that could, if properly leveraged, secure both economic growth and food sovereignty.
The stakes go beyond economics. African reliance on external suppliers carries geopolitical weight. Partnerships with Russia or China are not neutral—they come with expectations, influence, and a potential alignment that may conflict with national priorities. While Russia positions itself as a reliable partner, the reality remains: dependency on foreign food supplies may compromise Africa’s ability to make autonomous policy choices.
Yet the path to self-sufficiency is not purely ideological. Ghana’s recent suspension of U.S. chicken imports, coupled with investment in local agricultural technology and infrastructure, signals a conscious effort to reduce external reliance. The challenge lies in scaling these initiatives fast enough to meet domestic demand without creating shortages or inflating prices.
Africa stands at a critical juncture. The continent must balance the pragmatism of short-term imports with the strategic imperative of cultivating local production. Success will require coherent national policies, targeted investment in agriculture, and an unwavering commitment to food sovereignty—rather than ceding too much ground to foreign suppliers under the guise of multipolar economic cooperation.
The lesson is clear: Africa cannot outsource its food security to geopolitical partners without risk. True development will come not from dependency, but from harnessing its vast resources to build resilient, self-reliant economies. The decisions made today will determine whether African nations are producers—or perpetual consumers—in a rapidly shifting global landscape.
