Melons and papayas market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market for fresh melons and papayas in Western Africa expanded rapidly, with production rising from 2 709 thousand tons to 3 573 thousand tons and total market volume growing by over 32% to reach 3 549 thousand tons. This period marked a significant increase in local output and consumption.

Following the 2020 peak, market volume settled into a stable range of 3 350–3 356 thousand tons from 2021 through 2023. Production remained consistently above 3 300 thousand tons annually, while export volumes began a pronounced upward trend, particularly in 2023.

A key development in 2023 was the strengthened position of edible fruits and nuts, including melons and papayas, as Ghana's second-largest food export category. This shift was facilitated by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority's strategy to encourage local processors to target African markets, boosting regional trade flows for these fruits.

Production melons and papayas in Western Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

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

Production of melons and papayas in Western Africa has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 3 573 thousand tons, marking a solid 21.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 110.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 28.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Production volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, representing a 2.2-fold increase. In 2020, the output of melons and papayas was valued at 2 459 million US dollars in Western Africa, up 35.6% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 5.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 73.7%.

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

Exports melons and papayas from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, melons and papayas exports from Western Africa totaled 32 330 tons, reflecting a 15.5% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 11.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.6%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 24 870 tons, while the highest was in 2019 at 38 281 tons. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 53.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain dominated the country structure of exports in kind, accounting for 71.2% of total flows, with other destinations representing relatively small shares.

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, Western Africa's melons and papayas exports totaled 22 255 thousand US dollars, a 5.7% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 18.2%, with an annualized growth rate of 5.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 17 537 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 23 604 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 6.8%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 34.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of exports in value terms was highly concentrated, with Spain and France together accounting for 80.7% of total flows, while other partners made up the remainder.

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 melons and papayas to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 3.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, melons and papayas deliveries to Western Africa reached 8 615 tons, up 261.3% from 2019. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 338 tons, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 42.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Morocco, Portugal, and Spain—together accounted for 45.2% of total imports in kind of melons and papayas to Western Africa.

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

Imports of melons and papayas into Western Africa have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported approximately 2 563 thousand US dollars, indicating a robust 17.6% advance from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 28.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal (27.3% of imports in value terms), Spain (19.8%), and Morocco (19.4%) were the primary suppliers of melons and papayas to Western Africa, jointly accounting for 66.5% of total imports in value terms.

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

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