Leguminous vegetables market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh leguminous vegetables in West Africa saw moderate growth in physical volume from 95.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 102.1 thousand tons in 2023. Early in the period, specific challenges in tariff access and customs duties for exports to West Africa were identified, potentially influencing regional trade dynamics and market structure.

Market volume stabilized at 99.0 thousand tons in 2020 before a dip to 94.5 thousand tons in 2021, followed by a recovery to 97.0 thousand tons in 2022 and a rise to 102.1 thousand tons in 2023. The latter growth coincided with broader regional trends, including the expansion of modern food retailers and greater household penetration of refrigeration, which enhanced the distribution and availability of fresh produce.

In value terms, the market expanded more sharply, from 128.8 million $ in 2018 to 172.8 million $ in 2023. This stronger value growth reflects not only volume increases but also factors such as evolving consumer preferences toward convenient and nutritious foods, which support higher spending on fresh vegetables.

Production leguminous vegetables in Western Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of leguminous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of leguminous vegetables, 2017-2020

Leguminous vegetable production in Western Africa has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 112.6 K t, marking a slight rise of 2.0% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Leguminous vegetable production in Western Africa has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 169.9 M $ US, reflecting a rise of 10.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 20.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports leguminous vegetables from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Western Africa exported 19 624 t of leguminous vegetables, representing a steep uptick of 39.5% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 14 070 t, with the largest decline that year at 12.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 26.5%, with a CAGR of 8.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Italy, and the United Kingdom were the top contributors to exports in kind. The Netherlands accounted for 48.5% of exports, Italy for 11.2%, and the United Kingdom for 6.8%, jointly making up 66.6% of total flows.

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

In 2020, leguminous vegetable exports from Western Africa amounted to 29 621 K $ US, reflecting a steep uptick of 51.2% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 19 597 K $ US, with the largest decline that year at 10.2%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 42%, with a CAGR of 12.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands and Italy were the key destinations for exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 81.2% of total flows. Other partners contributed much less individually.

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 leguminous vegetables to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 873 t, with the largest decline that year at 9.9%. In 2020, leguminous vegetable volumes in Western Africa tallied 6 064 t, reflecting a sharp advance of 159.3% over the previous year. This resulted in a 3.2-fold variation between the maximum in 2020 and the minimum in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for imports in kind was balanced rather than concentrated. Italy accounted for 4.6% of imports, the United States for 2.9%, and Argentina for 2.0%, jointly representing 9.4% of total flows. Many other countries accounted for the remaining 90.6%.

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

Leguminous vegetable imports in Western Africa have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 33.3% higher compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 89.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 23.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms were distributed across a wide set of partner countries. Italy accounted for 16.9% of imports, the United States for 16.0%, and Portugal for 4.2%, jointly accounting for just 37.1% 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