Bananas market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

Tanzania's banana production reached its peak in 2018 at 3 395 thousand tons, driven by rapid yield growth from the adoption of modern agricultural techniques and strong government support that categorized bananas as a strategic crop for food security and commercial purposes. This momentum included partnership plans with the horticulture industry champion TAHA to spur mass production. The following year, output remained high at 3 407 thousand tons, though the pace of yield growth slowed, leading to market stabilization.

A significant contraction occurred in 2020, with production falling to 3 112 thousand tons and market volume dropping to 3 102 thousand tons, accompanied by a rise in banana prices to 0.24 US$ per kg. The market recovered partially in 2021 to 3 305 thousand tons as prices fell back to 0.05 US$ per kg, while consumer preferences began shifting toward substitute staples like cassava and sweet potatoes, influencing urban dietary patterns.

Production gradually declined to 3 230 thousand tons by 2023, with market volume at 3 222 thousand tons, as average yields shrank slightly despite ongoing government and industry promotion of banana farming. During this period, major companies expanded processing and distribution infrastructure, including a new center in Zanzibar opened in early 2024, and efforts continued to secure market access to South Africa pending phytosanitary approval.

Production bananas in Tanzania

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania held the 10th position globally in banana production.

Top producers of bananas, 2017-2020

World map of production of bananas, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, banana production in Tanzania experienced a decline. In 2020, Tanzania produced 3 112 thousand tonnes of bananas, which represents an 8.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production rose by 22.8%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 7.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 3 407 thousand tonnes, with the most significant increase occurring in 2018 at 34.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Tanzania in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports bananas from Tanzania

Exports in kind, t

Banana exports from Tanzania have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, Tanzania exported 9 664 tonnes of bananas, marking a 5.1% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 975.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 120.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Tanzania in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Zambia and Malawi were the primary destinations for Tanzania's banana exports in volume terms, together accounting for 97.3% of total shipments, while the remaining share was distributed among other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Tanzania in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market showed an inconsistent pattern during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 56-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Tanzania exported bananas worth 2 337 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial increase of 1,449.2% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 351 thousand US dollars. The most notable decline occurred in 2019 at 93.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 5,515.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Tanzania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Zambia and Malawi dominated Tanzania's banana exports in value terms, jointly representing 80.4% of total flows, with other countries holding significantly smaller shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Tanzania in value, 2017-2020

Imports bananas to Tanzania

Imports in kind, t

In 2018, Tanzania's banana imports amounted to 1 tonne, a decrease of 72.8% from 2017.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Tanzania in kind, 2017-2020, t

During the 2017-2020 period, South Africa was the main source of banana imports to Tanzania, making up 72.6% of total imports in volume, while other origins played a much smaller role.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Tanzania in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2018, Tanzania imported bananas valued at 2 thousand US dollars, which is 33.8% lower than in 2017.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Tanzania in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, South Africa led the country structure of Tanzania's banana imports in value terms, accounting for 75.8% of total flows, with other destinations contributing relatively little.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Tanzania in value, 2017-2020