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AFRLAT Research Report

Baltic-Africa Trade Index

Q4 2024 Edition | Published January 2025

Executive Summary

The first comprehensive analysis of trade flows between the Baltic states (Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia) and African markets. Total Baltic-Africa trade is estimated at €2.1 billion annually, with significant growth opportunities in technology, manufacturing, and agricultural equipment.

€2.1B
Total Trade Volume
+12%
YoY Growth
54
African Countries

Baltic Exports to Africa

Baltic countries are increasingly recognized as technology and manufacturing partners for African markets. Key export categories include:

Category Est. Value (€M) Growth Key Markets
Telecommunications Equipment €420M +18% Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa
Wood & Paper Products €285M +8% Egypt, Morocco, South Africa
Machinery & Equipment €195M +15% Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana
Food & Beverages €145M +22% Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal
Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals €120M +11% South Africa, Kenya, Egypt

Sources: Eurostat, Baltic national statistics offices, AFRLAT estimates

Key Finding: MikroTik (Latvia) alone accounts for an estimated €350M+ in annual exports to African markets, making telecommunications the dominant Baltic export category.

Top African Trading Partners

Country Total Trade (€M) Baltic Exports Baltic Imports
South Africa €485M €210M €275M
Nigeria €380M €340M €40M
Egypt €295M €145M €150M
Kenya €185M €155M €30M
Morocco €165M €85M €80M
Ghana €125M €95M €30M
Tanzania €95M €75M €20M

Sources: Eurostat 2024, national statistics offices

Baltic Imports from Africa

African imports to the Baltics are dominated by raw materials and agricultural products:

Country-by-Country Analysis

Latvia

Largest Baltic exporter to Africa, driven by MikroTik's telecommunications equipment. Key markets: Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa. Annual trade: ~€850M.

Lithuania

Strong in food products, fertilizers, and transport equipment. Growing presence through Eleving Group (fintech) and logistics. Annual trade: ~€720M.

Estonia

Technology-focused exports including software, e-governance solutions, and IT services. Smaller volume but high growth. Annual trade: ~€530M.

Growth Opportunities

Highest-Growth Sectors for Baltic Companies:

Risks & Considerations

Risk Factor Impact Mitigation
Currency Volatility High EUR-denominated contracts, hedging
Payment Default Medium-High Due diligence, escrow, trade insurance
Regulatory Changes Medium Local partners, legal counsel
Logistics Disruption Medium Multiple shipping routes, buffer inventory

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