Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh capsicum and pimenta fruits in Sub-Saharan Africa expanded from 2.1 million tonnes in 2018 to 2.4 million tonnes in 2023. This growth was initially supported by regional economic development strategies that promoted agricultural export diversification, including peppers. In 2020, a drop in import prices in South Africa made the product more affordable, sustaining consumption growth. After a slight contraction in 2021, the market recovered in 2022 alongside rising import prices, indicating stronger demand. The following year, a post-holiday sales spike in January contributed to further volume increases.

In 2024, the market saw increased trade activity with imports reaching 12 thousand tonnes and exports 5 thousand tonnes. Factors such as oversupply putting downward pressure on prices and evolving consumer preferences for new culinary applications continue to shape the market, supported by broader trends like urbanization and income growth.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

World map of production of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

Capsicum and pimenta fruit production in Sub-Saharan Africa has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2 301 thousand tonnes, which represents a 4.0% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 12.5%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 4.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 088 tonnes, while the highest occurred in 2017, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 5.6 times. In 2020, capsicum and pimenta fruit deliveries from Sub-Saharan Africa totalled 4 034 tonnes, marking a substantial 93.2% increase from 2019. The largest decline was observed in 2019, with a drop of 69.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Belarus, the United Kingdom, and Germany—collectively accounted for 39.7% of total capsicum and pimenta fruit exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in volume terms.

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, capsicum and pimenta fruit exports from Sub-Saharan Africa rebounded. In 2020, the region exported 8 948 thousand US dollars' worth of these fruits, up 7.7% year-over-year. However, over the full period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 42.9%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 17.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 8 306 thousand US dollars, with the largest drop occurring in 2018 at 29.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main buyers of capsicum and pimenta fruits from Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms were Belarus (30.7% of exports), the United Kingdom (24.4%), and the Netherlands (6.6%). Together, these three countries accounted for 61.6% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports capsicum and pimenta fruits to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, capsicum and pimenta fruit shipments to Sub-Saharan Africa from abroad amounted to 3 055 tonnes, reflecting a significant year-over-year decline of 21.1%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 35.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -13.4%. The largest decrease was in 2018 at 31.3%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2019 at 19.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

During 2017-2020, the import landscape for capsicum and pimenta fruits in volume terms was diverse. Morocco (6.6% of imports), Egypt (5.4%), and the Netherlands (2.6%) together represented only 14.5% of total flows, with the remaining 85.5% coming from a wide range of other countries.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of growth, capsicum and pimenta fruit imports into Sub-Saharan Africa declined. In 2020, imports totalled 6 005 thousand US dollars, down 23.4% compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 7 841 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 19.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the distribution of import values remained fragmented. Egypt (17.1% of imports), the Netherlands (8.8%), and Spain (4.9%) together accounted for just 30.8% of total flows, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020