Soaring sugar prices are affecting some of Africa’s most economically challenged nations, compelling households and eateries to skip sweeteners in their diets, reported Bloomberg.
A series of poor harvests from major global sugar producers have driven wholesale prices to levels not seen in over 12 years as of September. While this surge contributes to mounting inflationary pressures worldwide, African countries find themselves especially vulnerable due to their heavy reliance on sugar imports and a shortage of US dollars.
In countries like Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, consumers are grappling with some of the highest sugar prices in decades. These challenges are exacerbated by import tariffs, as indicated by data from Kulea, a commodities research group based in Nairobi.
Willis Agwingi, Head of Research at Kulea, noted, “The pain of higher prices isn’t being felt equally across the region — it’s falling most on poorer countries.”
Sugar is a staple ingredient integral to local culinary traditions and is also employed in the creation of pastries and confections central to Muslim celebrations. For many African households, it remains one of the most affordable sources of calories, as emphasised by Kona Haque, Head of Commodities Research at ED&F Man. Nonetheless, the surge in prices is compelling consumers to reduce their spending on soft drinks and abstain from adding sugar to beverages.
