Melons and papayas market in Senegal

Earlier Report Observations

Senegal's melon and papaya market volume grew from 1.2 million tons in 2018 to a peak of 1.7 million tons in 2020. This expansion occurred after the adoption of the Forest Code in late 2018, which modernized the management of agricultural lands and natural resources, providing a framework that supported increased production.

From 2021, the market volume began a downward trend, falling to 1.4 million tons by 2023. The Law on Prices and Consumer Protection enacted in April 2021 introduced a regulatory framework for food prices, including fresh fruits, altering market conditions. In 2023, the government adopted a National Food Sovereignty Strategy aiming to strengthen local production and agro-processing, while horticultural exports—including melons—diversified, supported by improved sectoral guidance and legal security.

Production melons and papayas in Senegal

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Senegal ranked as the 21st largest global producer of melons and papayas.

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

Senegal's production of melons and papayas grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 702 thousand tonnes, marking a 38.1% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production surged by 444.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 76.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market experienced volatility during the observed period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 5.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the output of melons and papayas was valued at 1 146 million US dollars in Senegal, showing a sharp year-on-year increase of 40.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 6.4%, while the biggest rise was in 2018, at 330.5%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Senegal

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Senegal exported 29 358 tonnes of melons and papayas, a decrease of 10.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 7.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 22 427 tonnes, and the highest in 2019 at 32 839 tonnes. The largest decline was in 2018, at 17.7%, while the biggest increase was in 2019, at 46.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain was the primary buyer of melons and papayas from Senegal, accounting for 79.5% of total exports in volume, with other partners holding relatively small shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Senegal exported 19 756 thousand US dollars worth of melons and papayas, a moderate decline of 9.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 11.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.8%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 16 310 thousand US dollars, and the highest in 2019 at 21 763 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 33.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the two leading markets—Spain and France—together made up 86.5% of total exports in value, with the remainder spread across various other countries.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Senegal

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with a 7-fold difference between these years. In 2019, Senegal imported 53 tonnes of melons and papayas, a steep year-on-year rise of 146.8%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 22 tonnes, and the largest decline was also in 2018, at 85.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ghana (44.1% of imports in volume), Pakistan (29.6%), and Côte d'Ivoire (13.3%) formed the core of imports, together accounting for 87.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports were at their lowest in 2018 and highest in 2017, reflecting a 14.2-fold gap. In 2019, melons and papayas deliveries to Senegal amounted to 14 thousand US dollars, showing an uptick of 243.8% from the previous year. The lowest value was in 2018 at 4 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline was also in 2018, at 93.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain (30.3% of imports in value), Ghana (22.2%), and Pakistan (20.8%) consistently remained the main sources for imports in value terms, together making up 73.3% of total flows.

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

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