Pepper market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the pepper market in Sub-Saharan Africa underwent significant changes in both volume and value. The market volume dropped from 121.2 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 103.7 thousand tonnes in 2019, while its value fell from 482.1 million USD to 380.7 million USD. A rebound occurred in 2020, with volume rising to 118.0 thousand tonnes and value to 388.9 million USD. This recovery was facilitated by evolving distribution networks, as supermarkets increased their presence in agricultural retail, enhancing market access and stimulating consumer demand for pepper.

Between 2021 and 2023, market volume stabilized at around 119–121 thousand tonnes, peaking at 120.8 thousand tonnes in 2022 before dipping to 118.1 thousand tonnes in 2023. In value terms, the market grew to 452.9 million USD in 2022 but declined to 406.5 million USD in 2023. During this period, regional agriculture policy momentum, exemplified by Kenya's 5.6% sector growth in 2023 and a political push toward large-scale farming, began influencing production frameworks, though short-term market fluctuations reflected broader economic conditions.

Production pepper in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pepper, 2017-2020

World map of production of pepper, 2017-2020

In Sub-Saharan Africa, pepper production reached 116.8 thousand tons in 2020, marking a significant 16.3% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 72.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 19.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 11.2%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, with a 67.0% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The pepper market in Sub-Saharan Africa exhibited volatility during the observed period. Production value was lowest in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the output was valued at 398.5 million US dollars, showing a slight 3.0% year-over-year increase. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 493.1 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 21.5% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018, with an 88.9% rise.

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

Exports pepper from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

After two years of contraction, pepper exports from Sub-Saharan Africa increased in 2020. Exports stood at 12 041 tons, representing a steep 26.5% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 6.9%, which translates to an annualized decline of 2.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 9 518 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a 23.9% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export partner landscape for pepper in kind was diverse. Sudan accounted for 12.1% of exports, the United Kingdom for 7.7%, and the United States for 7.4%, together forming only 27.2% of total flows. The remaining 72.8% was distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, pepper shipments from Sub-Saharan Africa to abroad increased in 2020. Exports totaled 41 087 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a solid 12.0% year-over-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 17.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 36 678 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 14.5% drop.

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

The country composition of pepper exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. The United States accounted for 17.4% of exports, Sudan for 8.3%, and Australia for 7.8%, together forming just 33.4% of total flows. The remaining 66.6% was split among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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

Imports pepper to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, pepper imports into Sub-Saharan Africa reached 13 259 tons, marking a 3.8% advance compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 18.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 18 034 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 29.1% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018, with a 61.4% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, China, and the United Arab Emirates consistently led the country structure of pepper imports in kind. Vietnam accounted for 40.6% of imports, China for 12.3%, and the United Arab Emirates for 5.9%, jointly comprising 58.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year drop, Sub-Saharan Africa's pepper imports increased in 2020. Imports totaled 30 385 thousand US dollars, which is 3.5% more compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 23.1%, equating to an annualized decline of 8.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 30 385 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a 22.0% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, China, and India were the main suppliers of pepper to Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms. Vietnam accounted for 40.7% of imports, China for 7.4%, and India for 6.0%, together comprising 54.1% of total imports in value terms.

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

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