Melons and papayas market in Tanzania

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, production of fresh melons and papayas in Tanzania rose from 67.9 thousand tonnes to 103.3 thousand tonnes, while the market volume expanded from 66.8 thousand tonnes to 102.2 thousand tonnes. This sustained growth occurred alongside negligible imports and a small but steady export volume, indicating strong domestic demand driving the market.

In 2023, exports of edible fruit and nuts, which include melons and papayas, reached a value of $260 million, reflecting growing external demand that supported production levels. Agriculture's role as the backbone of the economy, employing 65-70% of the population, provided a stable base for domestic consumption and output.

By 2024, initiatives like the FRESH-EN UP partnership were launched to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, targeting women and adolescents. Ongoing enhancements in storage infrastructure and fresh food wholesale markets improved supply chain efficiency, while partnerships guaranteeing off-take for smallholders helped stabilize production and reduce price volatility.

Production melons and papayas in Tanzania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Tanzania's production of melons and papayas has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 75 357 tonnes, marking a moderate increase of 9.7% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 17.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Tanzania in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports melons and papayas from Tanzania

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of melons and papayas from Tanzania showed significant fluctuations during this period. In 2017, exports hit their lowest point, then peaked in 2018 at 1 143 tonnes, representing a 3.6-fold increase from the 2017 low. By 2020, exports had declined to 604 tonnes, a drop of 5.9% from the previous year. The largest decrease occurred in 2019, with a 43.8% fall, while the biggest increase was in 2018, surging by 263.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kenya and the United Arab Emirates were the main destinations for Tanzania's melons and papayas exports, together accounting for 81.5% of the total volume. The remaining exports were distributed among smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of Tanzania's melons and papayas exports was recorded at 102.4 thousand US dollars, a sharp decline of 32.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export values fell by 65.1%, averaging an annual decrease of 29.6%. The largest drop was in 2018, with a 63.3% reduction, while the biggest increase came in 2019, rising by 40.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, and the Netherlands were the key partners for Tanzania's melons and papayas exports in value terms. The UAE accounted for 35.6% of exports, Kenya for 26.6%, and the Netherlands for 23.0%, together making up 85.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports melons and papayas to Tanzania

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of melons and papayas into Tanzania displayed volatility over the observed years. In 2019, imports reached their lowest level at 0.4 tonnes, then jumped to a peak of 51 tonnes in 2018, creating a 129-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, imports rose to 1 tonne, a sharp increase of 29.1% from 2019. The largest decline was in 2019, with a 99.2% drop, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018, soaring by 929.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kenya dominated Tanzania's imports of melons and papayas in volume, representing 88.3% of total flows. The rest was shared among various smaller sources.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of Tanzania's melons and papayas imports showed an unstable trend during this timeframe. In 2019, import values hit a low of 0.1 thousand US dollars, after peaking in 2017, resulting in a 45-fold shift between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 0.1 thousand US dollars, a gain of 14.1% compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2019, with a 95.4% decrease.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, South Africa was the primary source for Tanzania's melons and papayas imports in value terms, consistently accounting for 72.9% of total imports. This indicates a high concentration on the South African market, with the remainder spread across other countries.

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

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