The seemingly simple question hides a deeper controversy over foreign acquisitions of vast African farmland amid global food and resource pressures.
Algeria covers more than 2.38 million square kilometres, making it Africa’s largest country by sovereign territory. Yet another interpretation emerges when examining foreign ownership and control: investors from Malaysia, Singapore and the United States dominate large-scale land deals across the continent, according to the Land Matrix database and reports from organisations like GRAIN and the Oakland Institute.
Foreign investors drive a modern land rush
Since the 2007-2008 food price crisis, foreign entities have acquired tens of millions of hectares in Africa for agriculture, biofuels, forestry and carbon offsets. The Land Matrix records over 30 million hectares in concluded deals globally, with Africa accounting for a significant share – estimates range from 10 million to over 35 million hectares depending on inclusion criteria.
Private companies execute 92% of these transactions, often through long-term leases rather than outright purchases. Investors target fertile areas near water sources, contradicting claims of using only marginal land.
Malaysia and Singapore lead in palm oil plantations
Malaysian and Singaporean firms top the list for agricultural land holdings. Companies like Sime Darby and Golden Agri Resources control hundreds of thousands of hectares in Liberia, Gabon and elsewhere for oil palm production. These Southeast Asian investors focus on export-oriented monocultures, transforming landscapes and often displacing communities.
Africa’s longest-running grassland research project offers up a wealth of knowledge
United States firms play a prominent role
American investors rank among the leading acquirers. Hedge funds, agribusinesses and university endowments channel capital into African farmland. The Oakland Institute documented US-backed deals involving thousands of hectares, including projects by firms like Dominion Farms in Kenya and AgriSol in Tanzania. Recent examples include African Agriculture’s ambitious but troubled plans in Senegal, Niger and Mauritania.
Other nations and the myth of dominance
Gulf states like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia pursue food security through investments, while European firms remain active. China focuses more on infrastructure than direct land ownership, ranking lower in agricultural acquisitions despite perceptions otherwise.
Human and environmental costs mount
Local communities bear heavy impacts. In Ethiopia’s Gambella region, indigenous groups report evictions for foreign farms. In Senegal, pastoralists face water shortages from intensive irrigation. Critics highlight inequality exacerbation, biodiversity loss and strained resources.
Proponents argue investments bring jobs, technology and productivity gains. African governments often welcome them for revenue and development promises, though delivery falls short in many cases.
Transparency and sovereignty challenges grow
The African Union advocates stronger land rights frameworks, but implementation varies. With 64% of African land state-held according to the African Development Bank, foreign deals raise sovereignty questions.
As climate change intensifies “green grabs” for offsets, the rush evolves. Africa holds about 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, making it a prime target. The core issue remains: do these deals serve African people or distant investors?
