Potato market in Mozambique

Earlier Report Observations

The Mozambican potato market saw production climb from 329.6 thousand tons in 2018 to 526.2 thousand tons in 2023. This upward trend was launched by public-sector investment in potato cultivation in the Caia district and a national fertilizer promotion policy designed to raise farm yields. The emphasis on food security in 2019 further amplified per-capita tuber output, reinforcing domestic production gains.

Total market volume increased from 337.7 thousand tons to 618.8 thousand tons over the same six-year span. However, the absence of proper cold-storage facilities at key wholesale markets, such as Zimpeto, led to rapid spoilage and waste, hampering quality and consumer appeal. Despite these persistent post-harvest losses, output continued to expand. In 2023, a jump in imports to 92.6 thousand tons propelled market volume to its highest level, indicating that local supply could not fully meet demand.

Policy and regulatory measures strengthened throughout the period. The approval of fertilizer-market legislation in 2023, together with the rollout of the Food Security and Nutrition Policy and the Strategic Plan for Agrarian Sector Development (PEDSA 2024‑2030), created a framework aimed at boosting agricultural production and curbing import reliance. These steps supported the consistent rise in potato output, which reached 526.2 thousand tons in 2023.

Production potato in Mozambique

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

Mozambique's potato production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 470.4 thousand tons of potatoes, marking a 29.7% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 59.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 16.9%.

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

Exports potato from Mozambique

Exports in kind, t

Mozambique's potato exports have also increased for three consecutive years. In 2020, exports reached 4 tons, showing a sharp rise of 30.3% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 6 175%, with an annualized growth rate of 297.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Mozambique's potato exports in volume terms were not concentrated in just a few markets. South Africa accounted for 16.6% of exports, Singapore for 13.3%, and Denmark for 7.2%. Together, these three countries represented only 37.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market for potato exports in value terms showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The value peaked in 2019 at 6 thousand US dollars and hit its lowest point in 2018 at 1 thousand US dollars, resulting in a 7.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports stood at 5 thousand US dollars, which is 15.9% lower than in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 39.0%, while the largest increase was in 2019, soaring by 677.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mozambique's potato exports in value terms had a broad partner portfolio. South Africa made up 22.2% of exports, Singapore 11.2%, and the Marshall Islands 11.1%. Combined, these three partners accounted for 44.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports potato to Mozambique

Imports in kind, t

Potato imports into Mozambique showed volatility during these years. The highest volume was recorded in 2017, while the lowest was in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.3 times. In 2020, imports amounted to 9 314 tons, a slight decrease of 1.0% from the previous year. The minimum value was 8 147 tons in 2018, which saw the largest decline of 70.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 15.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South Africa was the nearly exclusive supplier of potatoes to Mozambique, accounting for 97.6% of total imports in volume terms.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes in potato import values, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2017, with a 1.8-fold fluctuation between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 18 608 thousand US dollars, down by 4.6% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 19 550 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 82.3%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, South Africa was the key partner for Mozambique's potato imports in value terms, representing 98.4% of total flows.

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

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