Potato market in Zimbabwe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, Zimbabwe's potato market volume experienced significant fluctuations. The market shrank by 16% to 409 thousand tonnes in 2019, driven by high production costs, El Niño effects, and seed shortages that suppressed output. Consumer demand was also constrained by liquidity challenges and the perception of potatoes as a luxury item rather than a staple. A sharp 47% rebound to 600 thousand tonnes followed in 2020. In 2021, however, the market volume contracted again by 23% to 463 thousand tonnes as persistent cost pressures and limited access to quality seed continued to challenge growers.

A turning point came in 2022 with active government intervention. Under the Crops, Horticulture, Fisheries and Livestock Summer Plan, 6,750 hectares were allocated for potato cultivation, with future planting targeted at 25,000 hectares. Concurrently, the number of seed potato houses grew from just one in 2009 to twelve by 2022, greatly improving farmers' access to planting material. A decisive ban on imports of table potatoes was enacted to stimulate domestic production. These measures, alongside the registration of 32 potato varieties, helped expand the market by 19% to 552 thousand tonnes in 2022.

Growth continued in 2023, with the market volume rising a further 11% to 611 thousand tonnes, achieving national self-sufficiency. Seed potato imports fell 37% in value, reflecting the success of an import-substitution policy initiated in 2010. For 2024, the government maintains its supportive stance, with planned planting expansions, ongoing activity by certifying bodies like the Zimbabwe Potato Micro-Propagation Association and the Tobacco Research Board, and a broad choice of 32 registered varieties available to farmers.

Production potato in Zimbabwe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

In 2019, Zimbabwe's potato production reached its lowest point at 408.2 thousand tonnes, marking a significant decline of 14.4%. However, production rebounded strongly in 2020, reaching 592.8 thousand tonnes - a substantial increase of 45.2% compared to the previous year. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, potato production grew by 24.5%, representing an average annual growth rate of 7.6%.

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

Exports potato from Zimbabwe

Exports in kind, t

Potato export volumes from Zimbabwe showed considerable volatility during this period. In 2018, exports reached their lowest level, while 2019 saw the highest export volume at 2,741 tonnes - representing an extraordinary increase of 9,031.1% from the previous year. The difference between these peak and trough years was dramatic, with 2019 exports being 91 times higher than in 2018. By 2020, exports had fallen sharply to just 160 tonnes, a decline of 94.2% compared to 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Zimbabwe's potato exports were entirely concentrated on just two markets. Mozambique and Zambia together accounted for 100% of all potato exports from Zimbabwe during this four-year period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Zimbabwe's potato exports experienced significant fluctuations from 2017 to 2020. In 2018, export values reached their lowest point, while 2019 saw peak export earnings of 736 thousand US dollars - representing a remarkable increase of 6,031.2% from the previous year. The difference between these years was substantial, with 2019 export values being 61 times higher than in 2018. By 2020, export values had dropped to 42 thousand US dollars, a decline of 94.2% compared to 2019.

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

From 2017 through 2020, Zimbabwe's potato export revenue came exclusively from just two countries. Mozambique and Zambia together accounted for 100% of all potato export earnings during this period.

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

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

Imports potato to Zimbabwe

Imports in kind, t

Potato imports into Zimbabwe showed notable volatility between 2017 and 2020. In 2019, imports reached their lowest point at 3,491 tonnes, representing a decline of 54.7% from the previous year. The highest import volume occurred in 2018 at 7,713 tonnes, making imports that year 2.2 times higher than in 2019. By 2020, imports had recovered to 7,047 tonnes, marking an increase of 101.9% compared to 2019.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, South Africa dominated Zimbabwe's potato imports, accounting for 91.2% of all potato imports by volume. South Africa remained essentially the sole source of potato imports for Zimbabwe during these years.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of potato imports into Zimbabwe showed considerable variation from 2017 to 2020. In 2019, import values reached their lowest point at 2,626 thousand US dollars, representing a decline of 58.6% from the previous year. The highest import value occurred in 2018 at 6,347 thousand US dollars, making imports that year 2.4 times higher than in 2019. By 2020, import values had increased to 4,722 thousand US dollars, marking a gain of 79.8% compared to 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South Africa overwhelmingly dominated Zimbabwe's potato imports by value, accounting for 90.3% of total import spending. South Africa remained the primary supplier of potatoes to Zimbabwe throughout this period.

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

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