Edible brassicas market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The West African edible brassicas market saw robust growth from 2018 to 2020, with production surging from 509.3 to 795.3 thousand tons. This expansion was driven by the entry of new local vegetable producers in Southern Benin, supported by agricultural programs, and the development of cold chain infrastructure in Côte d'Ivoire, which improved the preservation and availability of fresh produce.

Market volume continued to rise through 2021 despite a dip in domestic output, as imports increased significantly. The strengthening of informal distribution networks during this period affected market regulation, while the rapid saturation of refrigerated warehouses demonstrated sustained high demand for fresh brassicas. Production recovered in 2022, reaching 822.3 thousand tons, amidst persistent informal trade dynamics.

Growth accelerated again in 2023, with production hitting 957.1 thousand tons and total market size reaching 989.2 thousand tons. Planned expansions in refrigerated storage capacity in Côte d'Ivoire aimed to meet growing consumer preference for year-round fresh tropical vegetables. In 2024, import volumes rose sharply to 69.2 thousand tons, reflecting ongoing demand influenced by informal trade and increased global interest in African fresh produce.

Production edible brassicas in Western Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

World map of production of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

Edible brassicas production in Western Africa has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 795.3 K t, representing a 33.0% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 63.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 17.7%.

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

Exports edible brassicas from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019, after reaching their maximum in 2017 — with a 39-fold difference between these years. In 2020, edible brassicas exports from Western Africa totaled 66 t, which is 46.8% higher year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 45 t. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 87.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belarus remained the primary destination for edible brassicas exports from Western Africa, accounting for 76.1% of total exports in kind. Other destinations played a much smaller role during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Exports varied significantly, from a high in 2017 to a low in 2019 — with a 26-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the value of edible brassicas exports from Western Africa reached 462 K $ US, which is 425.8% higher than the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 88 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a decrease of 88.8%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Belarus dominated the partner structure for exports in value terms, with a share of 80.6% of total flows. Other markets had comparatively modest shares during this period.

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

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

Imports edible brassicas to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

Edible brassicas imports into Western Africa have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 11 514 t, up by 461.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 731.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 102.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco (30.0% of imports in kind), Portugal (2.7% of imports in kind), and the Netherlands (2.0% of imports in kind) were among the largest suppliers of edible brassicas to Western Africa. However, even combined, they represented just 34.7% of total imports in kind, indicating a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Edible brassicas shipments to Western Africa from abroad have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 4 451 K $ US, up by 135.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 251.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 52.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, imports in value terms of edible brassicas to Western Africa were not concentrated on a few key markets. Morocco (26.4% of imports in value terms), the Netherlands (13.1% of imports in value terms), and France (9.3% of imports in value terms) jointly accounted for only 48.7% of total flows.

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

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