African Date Market: Algeria Set for Top Export Spot

Algeria is projected to become the leading date exporter in Africa by 2025, anticipating approximately 185,000 tonnes shipped to international markets. This volume is estimated to generate a value of 184 million dollars, according to data compiled from the Trade Map platform by Agence Ecofin. This forecast positions Algeria at the forefront of the continent's date export sector.

In comparison, other significant African date exporters include Tunisia, projected to export around 147,000 tonnes, followed by Egypt with nearly 39,000 tonnes. Libya is ranked fourth with approximately 16,000 tonnes, while South Africa completes the top five with nearly 6,200 tonnes, making it the sole sub-Saharan African nation in this ranking.

The Algerian date industry is primarily sustained by extensive plantations situated within the southern oases of the country. The wilayas of Biskra, El Oued, and Ouargla are central to national production, with the highly valued Deglet Nour variety holding significant importance, particularly in the Biskra and Ouargla regions. According to data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Algeria produced around 1.34 million tonnes of dates in 2024 from approximately 176,000 hectares harvested, indicating that the majority of the national production is allocated to the domestic market.