What Can Nigeria Export to Belgium? Opportunities in Agro-Trading

Nigeria’s agricultural sector is vast and diversified, producing everything from staple grains and tubers to high-value export crops. Smallholder and commercial farmers across the country grow cocoa, cashew, sesame and other commodities – indeed, Nigeria’s recent export surge was “largely driven by products such as cocoa beans, shelled cashew nuts and sesamum seeds”. This export-oriented farming underscores the country’s potential to meet demand in overseas markets like Belgium. By tapping into Belgium’s need for tropical agri-ingredients, Nigerian agribusinesses can expand trade beyond traditional partners. Nigeria’s crop production zones span both cereals (blue areas) and root crops (red areas) as shown in the map above. This geographic diversity means the country can supply a wide range of products to Europe. For example, cocoa thrives in the south while staples like yams and cassava dominate the southwest. With such variety, Nigeria has the capacity to export different crops to Belgium’s food and processing industries. Already, Belgian buyers import Nigerian goods: cocoa beans and preparations lead agricultural shipments. Belgium’s chocolate sector is enormous, and even though most raw cocoa comes from Ivory Coast and Ghana, Nigeria supplies a growing share. According to a recent analysis, Belgium brought in €4.2 billion of cocoa and cocoa products worldwide in 2024, including €145 million from Nigeria. Nigeria’s Current Agro-Exports to Belgium Nigeria’s exports to Belgium include several key agricultural commodities. Cocoa beans are at the top – both “standard” and premium “superior” grades of Nigerian cocoa list Belgium among their major destinations. Cashew nuts are another mainstay: both raw (in-shell) and processed (shelled) cashews are exported, with Belgium among the notable end-markets. Sesame seeds also feature (though in smaller volumes) – in 2023 Nigeria shipped about 128.4 tonnes of sesame seeds to Belgium. In total, Nigeria’s exports to Belgium (all products) reached roughly USD 233 million in 2024, of which a significant slice is accounted for by these agro-commodities. Beyond these, other Nigerian agri-exports to Belgium include frozen shrimp and floriculture products (e.g. fresh-cut flowers), reflecting Nigeria’s marine resources and nascent horticulture. However, the clear leaders remain cocoa and nuts. The emphasis on cocoa is striking: Belgium ranks as one of Europe’s top chocolate producers, and imports cocoa from top suppliers. In 2024 Nigeria’s cocoa supplied 6–7% of Belgium’s bean imports, underscoring that Nigerian beans already play a role in the Belgian market. Similarly, Nigeria’s growing cashew output is finding buyers in Europe. These existing trade patterns suggest that Belgian importers recognize the quality of Nigerian cocoa and cashews, even if volumes are modest relative to West African giants. Belgium’s Agricultural Import Demand Belgium relies on imports for many agricultural raw materials, driven by its processing and food industries. Cocoa is the prime example: Belgium is the second-largest chocolate exporter in the world, so it sources raw cocoa in bulk. Other major import categories include nuts, spices, and tropical ingredients. For instance, Belgium imports large quantities of spices and seasonings; ginger has become a notable commodity. Recent trade data show that Nigeria is one of the top three suppliers of dried ginger to Belgium – India and China lead, but Nigeria contributes about 7% of Belgium’s dry ginger imports. This reflects growing Belgian demand for ginger (used in foods and wellness products) that Nigeria is well-placed to serve. Sesame seeds are another product of interest. Europe imported around €42 million of sesame seeds in 2023, mostly for food oils and bakery use. Nigeria is a leading global sesame grower, and Belgian importers already receive some Nigerian sesame (128 t in 2023). While most of Nigeria’s sesame exports go to Asia, there is clear opportunity to pivot more shipments toward Europe. Other tropical products in demand include shea butter (for cosmetics and confectionery) and hibiscus (for herbal teas); Belgium imports substantial quantities of these from West Africa. In short, Belgian buyers seek raw materials like cocoa, nuts, spices and specialty crops, all of which overlap with what Nigerian farms can provide. The challenge and opportunity for Nigerian exporters is to align with these import patterns – for example, by meeting EU quality standards and certifications (organic, Fairtrade, etc.) that Belgian buyers expect. Untapped Crop Opportunities for Nigerian SMEs Looking ahead, several Nigerian crops have growth potential in the Belgian market. Cocoa remains the headline: Nigeria can increase shipments of quality cocoa beans and processing by-products. In fact, Nigeria’s cocoa export revenue has been surging (over ₦1.32 trillion in Q1 2025), and Belgian chocolatiers – from mass producers to premium chocolatiers – could take advantage of more Nigerian supply, especially beans with cocoa content for mid-to-high-end chocolate. Cashew nuts likewise offer room to grow. Nigeria is one of Africa’s top cashew producers, and expanding processed exports (e.g. shelled nuts or cashew butter) would meet Europe’s hunger for tree nuts. Similarly, Nigeria’s rice of dry ginger production should be harnessed: building on the fact that Nigerian ginger now supplies a significant share of Belgian imports, exporters could target more garlic/ginger markets and add value through organic or minced forms. Sesame seeds represent another opportunity. Though Belgium’s direct imports from Nigeria are modest, European trends favor sesame (for oils and health foods). If Nigerian growers invest in consistent supply and certifications, they could capture more of that market. Other crops to consider include specialty nuts (e.g. tiger nuts), spices like turmeric or chili peppers, and dried hibiscus (used in teas and beverages). Nigeria even produces tropical fruits (pineapple, mango) and root crops (yam, cassava) that are under-represented in Belgian imports; processed versions of these (flours, chips, snacks) might find niche buyers or ethnic food distributors in Belgium. To seize these opportunities, Nigerian agribusinesses should focus on quality, volume, and compliance. Working through Belgian importers, participating in EU trade fairs or trade missions, and leveraging initiatives like the EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform can help. It will be crucial to adhere to EU food safety and sustainability standards (pesticide residue limits, organic labels, etc.), as Belgian buyers value certified supply chains. Meanwhile, partnerships or toll-processing agreements (e.g. shipping raw cassava flour via Antwerp) could be explored. In summary, Nigeria’s crop mix aligns well with Belgian import needs – from cocoa and nuts to ginger and beyond – and a strategic, quality-focused approach can open this important European market for Nigerian SMEs. [ratings]