Top 10 Largest Markets In Africa

Markets are an indispensable part of any society. In Africa, however, it seems to be more than just a place where people go to buy things. In some societies on the continent, markets are rooted in the culture and largely in the religion of the people and the places where they live.
This explains why some markets are named after the rivers and gods most precious to humans. Some markets are known to only be open on days permitted by their belief system and will never open on holy days.
That being said, it is important to note that Africa has some of the largest and most extensive markets in the world, where you can find all kinds of items, from handicrafts, crafts, artifacts, decorations, clothing, materials, food, and so on. Need to take advantage of your days off?
You may want to take a trip to some of the markets in Africa, from East to West, North to South, you will definitely have an unforgettable shopping experience.
Biggest Markets in Africa
- Khan el-Khalili
- Onitsha Market
- Kejetia Market
- Fez Medina Food Market
- Maasai Market
- Owino Market
- Fourways Farmers Market
- Addis-Ketema Market
- Green Market Square
- Ariaria International Market
1. Khan el-Khalili
Established in the 14th century, Khan el-Khalili market is located in the center of the Egyptian capital Cairo. This is an important souk (meaning bazaar) famous for many things ranging from furniture, food, glittering silverware, traditional Arabic lanterns and lamps, antiques, gold items ,
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Handcrafted accessories, rugs, incense and many other wonderful things.
This is probably the best place to visit for a neighborhood shopping experience like you've never seen before. Khan el-Khalili is a special market selling cheap jewelry for loved ones. It's a fundamental passion and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country. Here you will feel and experience real Egyptian culture.
The market is open every day of the week from about 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but if you're a tourist who wants to do more than just shop, you might want to visit the market during Mawlid Al-Hussein (a Sufi festival). Imam Hussein's birthday celebration). During this time, you will see Sufis performing prayers and participating in other traditional activities.
Although there are currently no statistics on the market's contribution to the country's GDP, considered a year-round tourist attraction, Khan el-Khalili is certainly expected to make a significant contribution to daily GDP. year of Egypt.
2. Onitsha Market
Do you want to buy wholesale or retail? You will definitely find it here. Everything you are looking for is accessible here at reasonable prices. Located in Anambra state in
In southeastern Nigeria, Onitsha market is the largest market in Africa, in terms of size and volume of goods. A provincial business force is taken into account.
Although there are many markets in Onitsha town, Onitsha Main Market is the king of them all, although it is famous for clothes and other apparel with a mix of homewares, babies , etc. As a tourist visiting Onitsha Market, you will need a trusted neighborhood guide to help you explore and investigate Nigeria's largest market.
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According to the report, the market has about 5 million visits and records more than 12 million transactions per day, with annual transactions exceeding $3 billion. About 40% of this amount is still in continuous circulation through non-bank transactions.
3. Kejetia Market
Spread across 29.5 acres of land and boasting over 50,000 stores, Kejetia is truly special and one of the largest markets in Africa. Located in the capital city of Kumasi, Kejetia Market (Kumasi Central Market) is the hub of all business activities in the area.
Going to Kumasi Central Market is one of the main tourist activities in Ghana.
A market filled with products from around the country, customers can enjoy local dishes and delicacies while searching for handmade gifts.
Popular Ghanaian Kente materials can certainly be found at Kejetia Market, as well as other traditional African prints.
While there are no figures on the annual quantities generated by this huge market for Ghana, one thing that cannot be denied is the fact that a market of this size would also generate something of value. value to the economy each year.
4. Fez Medina Food Market
The food market in the medina of Fez is notable for being one of the most famous in Africa. The market is about as old as the city of Fez, founded in the 9th century. This market is popular for foods ranging from fruits to vegetables and more. There are many different stores, chat with the sellers who are willing to give you a fair price.
The market is open from 8am to 11am:
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It's 30 a.m., and the market is so crowded that if you're new to the market, you'll need help finding your way. Just like the marketplaces mentioned above, there are no figures available on the revenue the marketplace generates each year.
However, due to its popularity not only as a daily market for residents but also for being visited daily by tourists, it can be argued that the market contributes greatly to the overall GDP of the country.
5. Maasai Market

Located in Kenya's capital Nairobi, Maasai market is one of the largest markets in the country and even in Africa. It is open every day of the week, including Saturday and Sunday. With over 45 different ethnic groups and communities across Kenya, there has always been debate as to why the market was named after Massai. One explanation is that the Maasai people are one of the most famously resilient communities in the entire East African region.
That said, it should be noted that although the market is named after the Maasai people, today it serves everyone in the area and has almost nothing to do with the Maasai people.
This market is famous for everything from handmade jewelry, beaded bowls, textiles, wood carvings, and more. The market's contribution to the country's GDP is not made public.
6. Owino Market

Situated on 7.04 hectares of land, Owino Market is undoubtedly the largest open market in Uganda and one of the largest in Africa. The market has existed for 5 decades was established in 1971 when Kampala City Council transferred about 320 vendors from Nakasero Market.
Owino Market is famous for used clothes, so if you want to buy used clothes, this market is a safe choice for you at any time.
7. Fourways Farmers Market
Fourways Farmers Market in South Africa is a weekend outdoor market offering food and drinks, specials and more. This Merchants sell things that appeal to everyone, and food is always available.
Picnics are most likely to be held at this location. It accommodates children in a sophisticated play area where guardians can sit nearby. Fourways Market is a very organized market where people gather every weekend to shop or relax with friends. But people have to pay to get in. The fee is R10 per person.
8. Addis-Ketema Market
Established in the 1930s during the Italian occupation, Addis Market is a huge open-air market located in Addis Ketema, a sub-city of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Merkato is one of the largest open-air markets in Africa, covering several square kilometers of land and housing for about 13,000 people with 7,100 businesses. It is basically the largest market and shopping place in Ethiopia. The experience is nuanced, extraordinary and special, as depicted in the authentic market of Addis Ababa.
Merkato is famous for its coffee bean stalls. It's no surprise that this market is famous for coffee, the country's largest export (about $1 billion per year). Even without statistics on the number of markets generated annually, it is clear that Addis Merkato has contributed something useful for the economy.
9. Green Market Square

Greenmarket Square is a historic square in the heart of the old town
Cape Town, South Africa. It was founded in 1696 during the construction of a bourgeois watch house. The square, once a slave market, has transformed over the years and decades into a parking lot, a vegetable market and more recently a flea market selling mainly African souvenirs, crafts and jewelry.
The idea of ??the night market was born from the idea of ??revitalizing Cape Town's tourism industry and local economy by bringing life to the city centre. To say it works is an understatement as the square is bustling all night long.
Besides shopping, the market is probably one of the best places to find African gifts. An interesting place that's particularly active, assuming you're in the city center, it's a fun place for a quick stroll and plan on special rates. There are plenty of restaurants and attractions in the surrounding area, and the city's tourist stops are just minutes away.
10. Ariaria International Market

Ariaria International Market, affectionately known as the China of Nigeria, is one of the largest and most popular markets in Nigeria. The outdoor market, which generates more than $3 billion in revenue annually, is famous for its textiles and leather goods.
When strolling through the market, you will see many shoemakers and tailors doing what they do best.
Ariaria Market is definitely one of the best markets to visit in Niger, as there is something for everyone; clothing, leather goods, bags, shoes, etc. As one of the largest fabric markets on the continent, you can see your dress being made right in front of you. Need to go shopping in Nigeria without blowing your budget?
This is the ideal place shopping malls open from around 9am:00:00 to 06:00:00h Monday to Saturday. However, the market environment changes according to the time of day, so it is recommended to get there before 11am.