98% of Africa’s Copper Export Value Comes From Just 10 Countries

Copper is Africa’s second most exported product after petroleum, pulling in $35 billion in trade value in 2024, according to data from Trademap.org.

Yet, despite 52 of 54 African countries exporting copper, just 10 countries control 98% of the continent’s copper export value. The other 42? A mere 2%.

Global copper export value share:

▪️ 15.3% — Africa

▪️ 31.6% — Asia

▪️ 31.4% — Europe

▪️ 11.07% - South America

▪️ 8.61% - North America

▪️ 2.00% - Oceania

Leading the continent is the Democratic Republic of Congo with an export value of $19.8B. It is also the world's second-largest copper exporter. Its value is more than double that of the next major African exporter, Zambia, which stands at $7.5 billion.

While Africa is at the forefront of supplying the world’s raw materials, it’s missing out on the real value—refining, innovation, and ownership.

What if that changed?