2024 has been a year of profound impact for Fluna. As we reflect on our journey, it is clear that our efforts have not only supported African exporters but also reshaped the trade ecosystem. Through the challenges, our vision has remained steadfast: to create lasting change by connecting Africa’s agricultural wealth to global markets and empowering exporters to thrive in a globally competitive environment.

Our Impact - Facilitating Trade, Bridging the Knowledge Gap

Fluna has facilitated over $40 million in trade, connecting exporters from across Africa to buyers in regions such as the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. These milestones have underscored our critical role in advancing Africa’s position in global trade. From soybeans to citrus and cashew nuts, our platform ensured that high-quality African produce reached global markets efficiently and sustainably. 

Our impact goes beyond mere numbers; it fundamentally reshapes families' futures across Africa. Each shipping container represents a lifeline of hope and opportunity, providing stable income for breadwinners, educational prospects for children, and improved living standards. By empowering African exporters to access international markets and secure financing, we create pathways out of economic uncertainty and foster generational wealth. Each shipment supports local communities, generates jobs, and builds sustainable economic ecosystems, transforming individual potential into tangible prosperity for families—one container at a time. 

One of our proudest accomplishments in 2024 was the successful launch of the Fluna Academy, our platform for empowering African exporters with the knowledge and expertise they need to excel on the global stage. With our years of interfacing with African exporters, we have noticed a gap in knowledge on understanding international standards, securing certifications, and meeting the logistical demands of global buyers. Fluna Academy was created to address these challenges head-on. By offering free, high-quality, impactful webinars and workshops, we’ve ensured that exporters of all scales—whether smallholder farmers or large export firms—can access the knowledge they need to succeed. This commitment to inclusivity has made the Fluna Academy a cornerstone of our mission to build a stronger, more resilient trade ecosystem.

So far, we’ve trained over 500 exporters active in multiple countries and these sessions have featured cold chain practitioners like Owusu Akoto of Freezelink and cargo claims experts like Lina Jasutiene of Recoupex, covering essential topics including certification compliance, supply chain optimisation and others.

Behind every one of our successes this year was the unwavering commitment of Team Fluna. This year, we stepped out into the global arena, representing our African producers at some of the world’s most prestigious trade events—such as Fruit Logistica, World of Coffee, Gulfood, and Fruit Attraction. Here, we showcased African exports to the world while strengthening relationships with buyers and partners. Our CEO, Miguel Sousa Dias, also led a buyer roadshow in Pakistan and Bangladesh, engaging with trade and business stakeholders to expand market access for African products. These engagements were vital in expanding market access and solidifying Africa’s reputation as a reliable source of high-quality produce.

Navigating Industry Challenges

Of course, no year is without its hurdles, and 2024 was no exception. The Houthi movement attacks on the Red Sea disrupted commercial shipping operations as total vessel transits in the Red Sea fell 56% year-on-year as of September 2024. This threw a wrench in East African exports, with transit times doubling and container shortages causing bottlenecks. For exporters of perishable goods like avocados, the stakes were especially high, as delays often led to rejections and financial losses.

Climate change didn’t make things easier. Erratic weather patterns wreaked havoc on agricultural yields, with droughts in West Africa decimating cashew nut production and heavy rains in Southern Africa affecting maize harvests. Add to that the rising costs of fuel and logistics, compounded by currency devaluation in markets like Nigeria, Egypt and Ghana, and you had a recipe for significant disruption. But by leveraging our trade finance solutions and partnerships, our exporters were able to access the liquidity and support they needed to weather these storms, ensuring they could keep moving forward despite the challenges.

Looking Ahead: Building on Impact

The challenges of 2024 have reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and resilience in navigating the complexities of global trade. At Fluna, we are proud of the strides we’ve made and remain dedicated to empowering African exporters to achieve greater heights.

As we look to 2025, our focus remains on amplifying our impact. We’re doubling down on our commitment to empowering exporters and strengthening Africa’s presence in global trade. At the core of this would be the Fluna Academy, where we’ll continue to introduce more workshops, webinars, and resources tailored to the evolving needs of African exporters. 

We’ll also be focusing on sustainability. With global consumers demanding more organic, non-GMO, and ethically sourced products, Fluna is poised to help African exporters meet these expectations while maintaining competitive edges in premium markets. We’re also excited about the possibilities within intra-African trade under the AfCFTA framework. While much work remains, the promise of reduced tariffs and increased regional collaboration offers new opportunities to connect African exporters with buyers across the continent. 

At Fluna, 2025 promises to be a year of continued growth and progress. Together with our partners, exporters, and buyers, we look forward to shaping the future of African trade.

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