African Markets – 7 Popular Markets In Africa You Should Visit
African Markets – 7 Popular Markets In Africa You Should Visit
When visiting a country for a short period, it is recommended to explore the local markets. This is essential for buying unique and affordable items like souvenirs. Africa boasts a variety of markets offering handcrafted souvenirs, fresh produce, and traditional clothing.
Whether it’s Marrakech’s vibrant souks or Lagos’ bustling Balogun market, these markets are a reflection of local culture and a source of unique treasures. African markets come in two main types: open-air and indoor.
Open-air markets, which are crucial in African societies, bring together vendors selling new or used goods at wholesale or retail prices, playing a key role in the continent’s informal economy.
Visiting local markets in Africa is a must-do when travelling there for a few days. The markets offer unique goods and experiences, from handcrafted souvenirs to traditional clothing. Africa relies on open-air markets for its informal economy.
And these markets leave you a great impact when shopping from them. So join us as we explore some of the very best popular markets in Africa that you should visit.
Popular Markets In Africa
Here’s a list of some notable African markets you should visit whenever you come to Africa:
- Addis Mercato (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
- Balogun Ajeniya Market (Lagos, Nigeria)
- Maasai Market (Nairobi, Kenya)
- Khan el-Khalili (Cairo, Egypt)
- Jemaa el-Fna Square (Marrakesh, Morocco)
- St Balikuddembe or Owino market (Kampala, Uganda)
- Mokola market (Accra, Ghana)
Let’s get started.
1. Addis Mercato (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)
Merkato is Africa’s expansive open-air market, spread across multiple square miles and supporting around 13,000 workers in 7,100 businesses. It mainly trades locally-produced agricultural goods, including coffee.
Italian colonization in 1930 led to a segregation policy that divided the ruling elite from Ethiopians, influencing the formation of present-day Addis Merkato.
The market offers a diverse range of products and experiences, yet its economic impact on Ethiopia’s GDP remains undocumented.
2. Balogun Ajeniya Market (Lagos, Nigeria)
Balogun Ajeniya Market, located on Lagos Island in Lagos State, Nigeria, is a vast market known as Eko and is the largest in West Africa. It offers a wide variety of goods such as fabrics, souvenirs, hair and beauty products, and kitchen wares at affordable prices with numerous options to choose from.
The market is a major hub for large-sized imported goods from international markets like China, contributing significantly to Lagos State’s role in Nigeria’s national GDP, industrial investments, foreign trade, commercial activities, and labour emoluments.
The Maasai Market in Nairobi, Kenya is unique because it moves to different locations in the city on various days from 8 am to 6 pm. The most popular market among locals is behind the Hilton hotel, held on Saturdays.
It showcases Maasai culture with various local crafts, jewellery, paintings, and wood carvings sold by local artisans, allowing for price negotiation.
4. Khan el-Khalili (Cairo, Egypt)
Khan El Khalili is known as one of the largest bazaars in Africa, with origins dating back to the early Middle Ages. It is the oldest market in the Middle East for affordable Egyptian gifts, named after its founder Jerksy al Khalili, a Mamluk prince and successful merchant from the 1400s.
The market is a hub for Egyptian artisans creating traditional crafts and souvenirs, attracting many tourists for its atmosphere and diverse product offerings. On average, 3000 tourists visit daily to explore items such as perfumes, essential oils, gold, carpets, local cuisine, and fabrics.
5. Jemaa el-Fna Square (Marrakesh, Morocco)
Jemaa el-Fna Square, located in Morocco, is a well-known market with various shops and stores at the city’s central square. Originally known for public executions in 1050 AD, it is now a bustling hub for trade, social interactions, and cultural activities, especially active at night.
The marketplace connects old and new sections of Marrakech, attracting storytellers who are important in Moroccan tradition. Visitors can buy a variety of items such as food, spices, carpets, lanterns, clothing, accessories, wood products, beauty items, and herbs.
6. St Balikuddembe or Owino market (Kampala, Uganda)
The St. Balikuddembe market, also known as Owino market, was established in 1971 when Kampala City Council moved vendors from Nakasero Market. Despite being originally called Municipal Market, it came to be known as Owino Market in honor of an old man named Owino seen roasting food there.
This market supplies agricultural products and is a major hub for second-hand goods, food, and household items. It serves as a significant employer in Uganda.
The bustling Mokala market, Ghana’s largest open-air market, was established in the trading hub of Accra in 1924. It plays a vital role in the social and cultural fabric of Ghana, much like Lagos’ Balogun Ajeniya market and Kampala’s Owino market.
Mokola is crowded with vendors and affordable goods, including locally-made souvenirs for tourists, and provides employment for a quarter of market women in Ghana’s informal economy.
Conclusion
We have created a list of popular markets in Africa for those who want to explore unique and vibrant markets. Visit these markets for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience and a taste of African culture.
Whether you’re after souvenirs and local crafts or just want to enjoy the lively atmosphere, these markets are must-see destinations.
Having been through this article, we hope it was helpful and educative. Till Next Time.