Potato market in Cameroon

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, Cameroon's fresh potato market volume contracted from 378 thousand tons to 318 thousand tons. This period saw the initiation of the GIZ-Procisa project, which focused on developing improved seed farms to increase local production capacity and reduce reliance on imports. Concurrently, rising consumer demand for potatoes as a substitute for more expensive tubles like plantain began influencing consumption patterns.

The market rebounded significantly in 2022, with volume reaching 372 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by national agricultural policies promoting potato cultivation in favorable regions and a marked shift in consumer preferences toward fresh potato consumption. In 2023, volume saw a slight correction to 363 thousand tons, coinciding with continued investments in production and storage infrastructure and market dynamics where potato price stability made it a favorable choice amid fluctuations in other staple foods.

A major development occurred in 2024, as potato exports surged to 58 thousand tons. This leap was enabled by the sector's enhanced ability to meet stringent international phytosanitary and quality standards, a process supported by ongoing initiatives like the GIZ project and the implementation of guaranteed prices for quality-certified local produce.

Production potato in Cameroon

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

Cameroon's potato production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 321.8 thousand tons of potatoes, representing a modest year-over-year decrease of 4.3%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 12.9%, with an average annual decline rate of 4.5%. Production reached its highest point in 2018 at 377.9 thousand tons. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, when production decreased by 11.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 2.3%.

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

Exports potato from Cameroon

Exports in kind, t

The market showed considerable volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with an 11.8-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Cameroon exported 236.9 tons of potatoes, marking a sharp year-over-year increase of 164.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 43.4%, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2018 at 692.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Gabon was the dominant export partner for Cameroon in terms of volume, accounting for 76.9% of total potato exports. Other markets held relatively smaller shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations throughout the period. Export volumes reached their minimum in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with an 11.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Cameroon's potato exports were valued at 29.7 thousand US dollars, representing a 34.3% decline compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 49.7 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase also occurring that year at 1 052.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Gabon was the primary buyer of Cameroonian potatoes in value terms, accounting for 87.9% of total export revenue. The remaining exports were distributed among a diverse group of other countries.

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

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

Imports potato to Cameroon

Imports in kind, t

The import market displayed an unstable trend during this timeframe. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with an 8.5-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Cameroon imported 237.8 tons of potatoes, showing a significant 369.9% increase compared to 2019. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 32.0 tons, with the largest decline also occurring that year at 88.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany were the principal sources of potato imports to Cameroon in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 56.1% of imports, Belgium for 21.7%, and Germany for 11.8%. Together, these three countries represented 89.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. Import values reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with an 8.9-fold swing between these years. In 2020, Cameroon imported potatoes worth 29.7 thousand US dollars, marking a sudden 277.4% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 22.9 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline also occurring that year at 88.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France were the main sources of potato imports to Cameroon in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 50.5% of import value, Belgium for 27.4%, and France for 11.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented 89.8% of total import flows.

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

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