Bananas market in Zimbabwe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, banana production in Zimbabwe increased from 229.3 thousand tons to 271.4 thousand tons, with the market size growing similarly. This expansion was underpinned by smallholder farmers in Manicaland adopting better agro-business practices and expanding banana plantations in areas like Honde Valley, which boosted yields. The growing acknowledgment of bananas as a valuable crop with economic potential further supported this trend.

Production growth continued into 2023, reaching 313.6 thousand tons, although it moderated in 2022. Consequently, the domestic market for bananas expanded from 288.6 thousand tons in 2021 to 307.3 thousand tons in 2023, as export volumes fluctuated but remained a secondary outlet.

The year 2024 brought significant developments, including severe drought conditions linked to El Niño that threatened yields, alongside the introduction of new banana varieties in Rusitu Valley and the operational launch of the Hauna banana processing plant, aimed at enhancing value addition through preservation techniques.

Production bananas in Zimbabwe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of bananas, 2017-2020

World map of production of bananas, 2017-2020

Zimbabwe's banana production grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 271.4 thousand tons of bananas, marking a 7.5% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 7.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 229.3 thousand tons, representing a 9.1% decline that year. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 10.1% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of decline, banana production in Zimbabwe rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 45,247 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant gain of 23.2% compared to the previous year. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 13.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 36,720 thousand US dollars, which saw an 18.0% decline that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Zimbabwe in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports bananas from Zimbabwe

Exports in kind, t

Zimbabwe's banana exports expanded for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 9,158 tons, up by 26.2% year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 200.2%, equating to an impressive annualized growth rate of 44.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export pattern in kind showed a strong reliance on South Africa, which accounted for 97.1% of total shipments.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Banana exports from Zimbabwe continued to grow for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 1,527 thousand US dollars, a substantial increase of 44.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 140.3%, with an annualized growth rate of 33.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa remained the dominant and nearly exclusive destination for Zimbabwe's banana exports in value terms, holding a 97.4% share.

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

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

Imports bananas to Zimbabwe

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 0.4 tons and peaked in 2019 at 47 tons, showing a dramatic 115-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Zimbabwe's banana imports were recorded at 4 tons, representing a sharp 92.1% decline from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a staggering 11,448.5% rise.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, South Africa remained the almost exclusive supplier of bananas to Zimbabwe, accounting for 91.8% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Imports varied significantly, from a low in 2017 to a high in 2019, with a 22-fold difference. In 2020, imported banana volumes in Zimbabwe amounted to 1 thousand US dollars, reflecting a dramatic 80.3% reduction from the prior year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 7 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 546.3% rise.

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

In 2017-2020, South Africa absorbed 85.3% of total imports in value terms for bananas to Zimbabwe, with the remainder distributed among a wide range of smaller destinations.

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

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