Oftentimes when we hear of investment, we think of bonds, real estate, and stocks. But do you know investment in commodities is a gold mine with a promising ROI that offers a life-sustaining opportunity to grow your wealth? And there are numerous ways for you to diversify your portfolio and own a piece of these commodities.

Look at it this way – no matter what happens around the world, everyone still needs to eat. Investing in these commodities allows you to benefit from the harvest without you appearing on a farm; it’s low-risk, safer, and appreciates in value. More so, the rising prices of commodities such as maize, rice, soybeans, sorghum, and other grains are putting more money into the pockets of farmers and everyone involved in the value chain.

As you make your money plans for 2025, now is the time to let you in on how to make cool cash off the food you eat. Here are the 5 top agro-commodities with data-backed analysis that offer the best value/ ROI:

Soybean The soybean market boasts of diversity and significant revenue. It is a valuable export commodity used for everything from poultry feed to edible oil. In Nigeria, the consumption of soybean has increased over the years, driven by the poultry, fishery, and edible oil industries. There is a growing trend in soybean consumption as it is the second most-consumed and produced vegetable oil in the world, accounting for more than 28% of oils. In 2024, soybean prices in Nigeria soared by 133% year-on-year ROI, and with a 9% forecast in production levels against the 2025/2026 trading season, the market is looking rather attractive for investors.

Maize Maize prices in Nigeria have shot up in 2024, with a ton selling for around ₦600,00, a big jump from last year. This steady rise is no surprise: maize is a staple in almost every Nigerian home and is used for everything from food to animal feed. It’s one of the country’s most widely grown crops, and demand never really drops because people, farms, and industries all rely on it. Factors like lower production, higher fertilizer costs, and global supply issues have all played a part in pushing prices higher. With maize being so essential, investing in it is often seen as a smart way to protect your money from inflation. As long as people need to eat and animals need to be fed, maize will always be in demand.

Cocoa Money doesn’t grow on trees, but cocoa does. Cocoa is the leading agricultural export of the country, and Nigeria is currently the world’s fourth-largest producer, after Ivory Coast, Indonesia, and Ghana. The trend so far for cocoa has been consistent, with prices growing. A report by commodities player, AFEX, forecasts a higher international demand for Nigerian cocoa. Favored by weak naira against the US dollars and a decline in production in key states, you can expect the domestic cocoa price in Q4 to increase by at least 33% this trading season.

Cashew Nuts The growing demand for cashew nuts in Nigeria by international buyers makes it a very lucrative commodity to invest in. The 2024/25 season is expected to rise by at least five percent. The increase in production makes it a good investment decision for every stakeholder in the value chain.

How do I invest in these commodities?

The best way to invest in these commodities is through futures contracts, spot contracts, ETC, among others. There are a number of trading platforms where you can get started for as little as N1000 per unit such as Africa Exchange.

Afeica Exchange is a trading app licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission and provides an alternative investment class for retail investors and institutional investors to participate in the commodities ecosystem through a structured market. Here, you can earn returns on any commodity investment, diversify your portfolio, and hedge against inflation.

To cash in on any of these commodities, click here — Africa Exchange