Prepared mushrooms and truffles market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for prepared mushrooms and truffles in Sub-Saharan Africa began its upward trajectory in 2018, with a volume of 10 783 т. That year, the government of Ghana actively promoted commercial mushroom cultivation under its Food and Agriculture Sector Development Policy, while awareness campaigns in Nigeria highlighted mushroom farming as a source of income and employment. These initiatives stimulated local production, which started its consistent climb from 4 519 т.

Market volume continued to expand, reaching a peak of 13 446 т in 2022 before stabilizing at 13 277 т in 2023. This growth was underpinned by a steady rise in domestic output, which more than doubled over the period, while import levels fluctuated. The increase in production reflected the broader adoption of mushroom farming across the region.

Sector development continued into 2024, marked by the training of over 300 women farmers in Ghana to build local production capacity. In Kenya, mushroom cultivation gained momentum due to growing domestic demand and increased training, and South Africa moved to tighten regulations on hazardous pesticides, which could influence future agricultural practices for the industry.

Production prepared mushrooms and truffles in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of prepared mushrooms and truffles, 2017-2020

World map of production of prepared mushrooms and truffles, 2017-2020

Sub-Saharan Africa's production of prepared mushrooms and truffles has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 5 886 tonnes, an increase of 18.2% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 39.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.7%.

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

Exports prepared mushrooms and truffles from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 tonnes, while the highest occurred in 2017, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 25 times. In 2020, Sub-Saharan Africa exported 70 tonnes of prepared mushrooms and truffles, a dramatic increase of 1,357.6% compared to 2019. The largest decline was seen in 2018, with a drop of 92.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bunkers served as the primary market for exports in kind, representing 0.7% of total export flows.

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

Sub-Saharan Africa's exports of prepared mushrooms and truffles in value terms have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 425 thousand US dollars, a sharp decrease of 27.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 42.5%, with an average annual decline of 16.8%.

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

During 2017-2020, Bunkers was the core market for exports in value terms, accounting for 0.5% of total export flows.

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 prepared mushrooms and truffles to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

Sub-Saharan Africa's imports of prepared mushrooms and truffles in kind have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 5 354 tonnes, a moderate decline of 8.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports dropped by 18.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 6.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, the Netherlands, and France were the main sources of imports in kind. China accounted for 42.9% of imports, the Netherlands for 12.1%, and France for 12.0%, together making up 67.1% of total import 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

Sub-Saharan Africa's imports of prepared mushrooms and truffles in value terms have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 7 296 thousand US dollars, down by 2.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 14.4%, with an annualized rate of 5.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 8 540 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 12.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 0.2%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, China, the Netherlands, and France remained the top suppliers of prepared mushrooms and truffles to Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms. China contributed 31.7% of imports, the Netherlands 15.3%, and France 14.5%, jointly accounting for 61.5% of total import value.

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