Africa’s economic foundation rests on its primary industries — agriculture, mining, energy, water, and forestry.
These sectors supply the raw materials that fuel growth across manufacturing, services, and technology.
Today, leading African companies are redefining what it means to manage natural resources responsibly while driving innovation and creating millions of jobs.
Here are five companies leading the way in Africa’s primary industries:
1. Olam Agri (Nigeria)
A global agribusiness giant with deep African roots, Olam Agri works across farming, processing, and food distribution in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The company has invested heavily in sustainable cocoa, rice, and cashew production, while integrating digital tools for smallholder farmers. Its agro-processing plants are helping Africa capture more value locally instead of exporting raw crops.
2. AngloGold Ashanti (South Africa)
Headquartered in South Africa, AngloGold Ashanti is one of the world’s largest gold producers, with mining operations across Ghana, Tanzania, and Guinea.
The company has embraced responsible mining practices, investing in community development and environmental management. With rising global demand for precious metals, AngloGold continues to expand Africa’s role in global mineral markets.
3. Dangote Refinery & Petrochemicals (Nigeria)
Owned by the Dangote Group in Nigeria, the Dangote Refinery is Africa’s largest oil refinery, with the capacity to process 650,000 barrels of crude per day.
Expected to reduce Africa’s reliance on imported petroleum products, the refinery also positions Nigeria as a regional energy hub. Dangote’s investments in petrochemicals and fertilizers further connect energy with industrial growth.
4. Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company (Kenya)
As urbanization accelerates, water management is becoming critical. In Kenya, the Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company (NCWSC) is driving innovations in water treatment, supply, and waste management for millions of residents.
By embracing smart metering and upgrading infrastructure, NCWSC is helping to secure clean water access in one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities.
5. Green Resources (Uganda/Tanzania/Mozambique)
Operating across Tanzania, Mozambique, and Uganda, Green Resources is Africa’s leading forestry and renewable energy company. The business manages plantations and carbon credit programs, while producing timber, poles, and renewable biomass.
By combining sustainable forestry with climate change solutions, Green Resources demonstrates how natural resource companies can align with global sustainability goals.
From farms and forests to mines and refineries, Africa’s primary industries are being reshaped by companies that blend scale, sustainability, and innovation. These businesses are not only meeting the continent’s needs but also positioning Africa as a global supplier of resources and ideas for the future.
This ranking is based on each company’s operational reach, service diversity, and regional impact. The insights were drawn from a combination of company websites, industry reports, and verified customer feedback, with data updated as of mid-2025.
Image Credit: ThoughtCo
