10 African Countries That Waste the Most Food in 2024

Food waste is a global challenge that is not only a problem for a particular country, it  has become a pressing issue in Africa. As the world faces  hunger and environmental concerns, it is crucial to shed light on some of the African nations that contribute significantly to this problem. In this article, we delve into the top 10 African countries that waste the most food in 2024.

1. Nigeria:

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, unfortunately leads the pack in household food waste. On average, Nigerians discard a staggering 113 kilograms  of food per person annually. This amounts to a colossal 24.79 million tons  of household food waste within the country—making it the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. The scale of waste in Nigeria demands urgent attention and action.

2. Tanzania:

Tanzania households are not far behind. Each person wastes approximately 152 kilograms  of food annually. While this figure may seem smaller than Nigeria’s, it still represents a significant loss of resources and nutrition. The challenge lies in addressing this issue at the grassroots level, where households play a pivotal role in reducing waste.

3. Uganda:

Uganda faces a similar predicament, with an average of 110 kilograms of food wasted per person each year. While this figure is lower than Nigeria and Tanzania, it emphasizes on the need for awareness campaigns, education, and practical solutions to stop  food waste.

4. Seychelles:

Even in the beautiful Seychelles, food waste is a concern. Residents discard approximately 183 kilograms  of food per person annually. The island nation’s stunning landscapes and biodiversity does not align with the excess food being thrown away. It’s time for Seychelles to prioritize sustainable practices and reduce waste.

5. Rwanda:

Rwanda, known for its remarkable recovery from the 1994 genocide, faces its own battle against food waste. With an average of 141 kilograms of food wasted per person annually, Rwanda must find innovative ways to minimize losses and ensure food security for its citizens.

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6. Mozambique:

Mozambique, a country rich in natural resources, is grappling  with 92 kilograms of food waste per person each year. As the nation strives for economic growth and stability, addressing food waste becomes an important task to achieving sustainable development goals.

7. Kenya:

Kenya is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship but her faces a food waste challenge. While specific data for Kenya’s household waste is not readily available, it is essential for the government and organizations to collaborate in quantifying and addressing this issue.

8. Ghana:

Ghana which is  known for her  vibrant culture and warm hospitality is also contributing to food waste. Although precise figures are lacking, Ghanaian households must adopt practices that minimize waste while preserving their culinary heritage.

9.South Africa:

South Africa, a nation of beauty and hospitality is also faced  with food waste. While it boasts a thriving agricultural sector, it also faces significant waste challenges. Addressing this issue requires collaboration between farmers, retailers, and consumers.

10. Angola:

Angola, with its diverse landscapes and resilient population, wastes an estimated  50 kilograms  of food per person annually. As the country focuses on food security and economic growth, reducing waste should be a priority.

Our Thoughts

Food waste is not only an African problem—it is a global concern. The Food Waste Index Report emphasizes the need for governments, businesses, and individuals to work together. By improving data collection, promoting best practices, and fostering a culture of responsible consumption, we can collectively reduce food waste and create a more sustainable future for all.
Note: The figures mentioned in this article are based on the “Food Waste Index Report 2024” released by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)