Export agent for local farm and craft products
Starting costs about 828,000 NGN in Nigeria and 203,000 KES in Kenya. After 12 months, this business can bring in about 1,050,000 NGN net per month in Nigeria and 145,000 KES in Kenya. The starting money comes back in about 5 months, with 40 hours of work per week.
Mundyo estimates, data as of 2026-11-02.
See the numbers for my countryFree, no account, in the currency of 243 countries.
The numbers
| Country | To start | Net per month (month 12) |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 828,000 NGN | 1,050,000 NGN |
| Kenya | 203,000 KES | 145,000 KES |
| India | 106,000 INR | 106,000 INR |
| Philippines | 99,500 PHP | 85,300 PHP |
| South Africa | 33,500 ZAR | 27,900 ZAR |
Amounts adjusted to each country's price and income levels.
The problem
Many farmers and craftspeople make good products but cannot find buyers abroad, or handle quality, paperwork and shipping.
The solution
Find foreign buyers, pool the supply of several producers, check quality and packaging, then arrange transport, certificates and customs documents.
Your customers
Importers, wholesalers, specialist food shops and diaspora shops abroad; on the supply side, cooperatives, small farmers and craft workshops.
How you make money
Commission of 5 to 10 % paid by the buyer or the producer, or a margin when you buy and resell; around month 12, about two shipments a month earning €2,500 each.
Competition
Large trading companies, informal middlemen, foreign buyers who come themselves, online matchmaking platforms.
Who has an edge
Being on the ground: you know the producers, check every lot before it leaves and answer buyers in their language, which a distant buyer cannot do.
The risks
It takes months and a network to sign the first contracts, plus cash up front for samples and purchases. Rejected lots, port delays, unpaid invoices, changing rules.
The first 3 steps
- Register as an exporter and learn which certificates are needed
- Choose one product and five reliable producers
- Send samples to ten foreign buyers
How the numbers are calculated
Example in a high-income eurozone country, at month 12: revenue €5,000 − costs €2,000 = €3,000 net per month. Revenue: 2 shipments × €2,500 of commission and margin a month. Costs: samples, travel, certificates, phone, accountant, social contributions. For other countries, Mundyo adjusts the starting budget to the price level (World Bank) and the income to prices and customers' purchasing power, then converts at the day's exchange rate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start: Export agent for local products?
About 828,000 NGN (Nigeria), 203,000 KES (Kenya), 106,000 INR (India), depending on the country. Mundyo calculates the amount for 243 countries.
How much can you earn per month?
After 12 months, about 1,050,000 NGN (Nigeria), 145,000 KES (Kenya), 106,000 INR (India) net per month, after costs.
How long until I get my starting money back?
About 5 months, with 40 hours of work per week.
What are the risks?
It takes months and a network to sign the first contracts, plus cash up front for samples and purchases. Rejected lots, port delays, unpaid invoices, changing rules.
Where do I start?
1. Register as an exporter and learn which certificates are needed 2. Choose one product and five reliable producers 3. Send samples to ten foreign buyers
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