Africa is a continent rich in natural resources, culture, and artisanal talent—but much of its export potential remains untapped. While African countries continue to export raw materials like oil and minerals, the real gems lie in small-scale, high-value products that can capture the attention of the global marketplace.
At AskAlert, one of our missions is to bridge the gap between African producers and global buyers. We’re not just building an app for local commerce; we’re creating a pipeline for African-made goods and skills to reach international markets.
Here are five African products with massive export potential that the world needs to pay more attention to:
1. Shea Butter from Northern Nigeria & Ghana
Shea butter is often referred to as “women’s gold” because of its value in the beauty and skincare industry and the fact that it’s primarily harvested and processed by women. Rich in vitamins A and E, it’s a natural moisturizer used in lotions, soaps, and hair products worldwide.
Despite global demand, many African producers struggle with market access. AskAlert aims to connect cooperatives and small-scale processors directly with cosmetic companies and retailers abroad—removing middlemen and increasing profits for women-led groups.
Export Opportunities: Organic skincare, cosmetics, body care brands, wholesalers in Europe and North America.
2. Aso Oke & Ankara Fabrics
African textiles are vibrant, bold, and deeply cultural. Aso Oke, native to the Yoruba people, and Ankara, a popular print cotton fabric, are gaining traction globally in fashion, interior design, and accessories.
Designers around the world are incorporating African patterns into their collections—but the true opportunity lies in empowering African producers to lead the supply chain. By using AskAlert, tailors and textile makers can receive direct alerts from buyers looking for fabrics, custom designs, or bulk purchases.
Export Opportunities: Fashion designers, online boutiques, home décor retailers, diaspora communities.
3. Moringa Leaf Powder
Known as the “miracle tree,” moringa is rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and nutrients. Its powdered leaves are used in health supplements, teas, and skincare.
Moringa is already making waves in the wellness space, but Africa still holds untapped supply potential. With proper processing, packaging, and branding, local farmers and cooperatives can gain access to the $10+ billion global health food industry.
Export Opportunities: Health food stores, wellness brands, supplement distributors, Amazon private label brands.
4. African Black Soap
Made from plant-based ingredients like cocoa pod ash and palm oil, African black soap is known for its deep-cleansing and healing properties. It’s highly sought after by people with sensitive skin or looking for natural skincare alternatives.
Produced traditionally in countries like Ghana and Nigeria, black soap is already exported, but not at scale—and often repackaged by third parties abroad. AskAlert seeks to change this by giving original producers tools to brand, list, and export their own authentic products directly to consumers.
Export Opportunities: Natural skincare companies, spa boutiques, subscription box companies, online retailers.
5. Carvings & Woodcraft from East and West Africa
African craftsmanship in woodwork is not only beautiful—it tells stories. From intricate masks and sculptures to functional furniture and décor, African carvings are admired for their cultural richness and uniqueness.
With the rise of conscious consumerism and bohemian design trends, these products are highly desirable in Western markets. However, artisans often lack digital platforms to showcase their work. AskAlert’s export tools allow craftspeople to respond to international demand and negotiate bulk orders directly.
Export Opportunities: Interior design firms, art collectors, hotels, museums, e-commerce stores.
AskAlert: Bridging Local Talent and Global Demand
At AskAlert, we believe the next wave of global commerce will be powered by creators, producers, and service providers who have long been excluded from digital trade. That’s why our app will feature exportation capabilities, allowing African vendors to:
- List export-ready products
- Respond to alerts from international buyers
- Access packaging, shipping, and compliance support
- Build a verifiable vendor profile with reviews and ratings
We are opening doors for the world to discover—and invest in—Africa’s best-kept secrets.
The world is ready for African excellence. AskAlert is ready to deliver it.
Stay tuned.