Absolutely — this is a key imbalance in the global economy that keeps Africa dependent. 

Did You Know?

Globalization often means cheap exports from Africa and expensive imports into Africa?

Africa supplies much of the world’s raw materials and agricultural products at low prices — but imports finished goods and technology at high costs.

 This creates an unfair trade balance where:

•  African farmers sell crops like cocoa, coffee, and cotton cheaply to global markets

•  Finished products like chocolate, clothing, and electronics are imported at much higher prices

•  Value is extracted in processing and branding outside the continent

•  African economies remain stuck in exporting raw materials while importing costly goods

This imbalance means Africa loses out on millions in potential revenue, jobs, and industrial growth — keeping many countries trapped in a cycle of poverty and dependency.

Quote for Thought

“Africa’s wealth leaves as raw goods and returns as expensive products — who really profits?”
— The Cost of Global Trade