Global Marketing of Agricultural and Mineral Products, Pre-Requisite for Africa’s Economic Development

Abstract

The study was on global marketing of agricultural and mineral products for economic development of African countries. Export
activities of the fifty-three member countries of the Continent, with particular focus on the five North African countries making
up Arab Maghreb Union (AMU) were investigated. Relevant literatures, with theories, were explored to substantiate the study.
Qualitative method of research was adopted using secondary data. Africa: intra-regional export trade statistics by countries
were sourced; for 2006 to 2008. Measures of central tendency, dispersion, skewness and kurtosis; and the relationship inbetween
them were highlighted to bring out the required results needed from the study. Data were expressed in United State of
America, (US$) billion dollars. Findings revealed that Africa was so endowed with abundant natural resources, expanse of
uncultivated fertile land, skilled and unskilled labour, water and unexplored mineral deposits. Products from agriculture and
minerals are mostly for subsistence while the exportable ones are not being produced mechanically. It was recommended that
Africa should move beyond international marketing as global marketing guarantees abundant production of quality products for
exports, the regional economic communities should be united in their regional policies and programmes to foster specialization
and optimal productivity of the representative country’s products.