Indian soybean imports surge

Indian soybean imports reached a record 1.1 million tons in 2025/2026, a sharp increase from about 2,000 tons the previous year. This surge is attributed to a drop in domestic production caused by poor weather conditions, forcing processors to seek more supplies from abroad.

Africa benefits from Indian demand

Africa has seen an increase in soybean exports to India, with Niger leading as the top supplier in 2026, despite its limited domestic production. Between January and July 2026, India imported 909,606 tons of soybeans, with 380,868 tons coming from Niger alone.

Indian processors oppose expanded access

The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) has opposed efforts to expand duty-free access to non-GMO soybeans from all African countries. The association argues that current concessions for least developed countries are sufficient and warns that additional imports could harm local producers and lower prices.

African associations push for duty-free access

The All India Poultry Breeders Association (AIPBA) supports expanding duty-free access to non-GMO soybeans from Africa, aiming to increase supply and reduce costs for poultry feed. This group has also announced a 25% production cut by some industry players due to rising meal prices.

India’s duty-free scheme under scrutiny

India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme (DFTP), launched in 2008, currently allows duty-free access to soybeans from certain African countries, including Benin, Togo, Niger, Malawi, and Tanzania. However, customs authorities are investigating whether some shipments from Nigeria have been falsely labeled as coming from Niger to gain preferential treatment.

Potential shifts in African trade dynamics

If India expands duty-free access, Nigeria could gain a competitive edge due to its lower tariffs, while countries like Benin and Togo may lose some of their market advantage. This change could shift competition among African suppliers to factors like seed prices, logistics, and delivery reliability.

Other regional developments

Afreximbank provided $975 million to finance the acquisition of Oryx Energies. Meanwhile, in the DRC-Rwanda region, the U.S. has sanctioned the Rwandan Ministry of Defense for alleged military support to the M23 group and involvement in illegal mineral trade.

Education and cultural initiatives

In South Africa, Mpumalanga is training workers for the energy transition, reflecting broader labor market changes. In Eswatini, efforts to improve the teacher-student ratio face challenges in finding specialists. In Guinea-Bissau, the Bijagós Archipelago is noted for its natural and cultural significance. In France, From exile to screen: sixty years of North African influences in French cinema explores the impact of North African immigration on cinema.