Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Mozambique

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds in Mozambique grew gradually from 1,111 t in 2018 to 1,144 t in 2020. This expansion was supported by the predominance of family farming in vegetable production and favorable weather conditions in the southern regions. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused logistical challenges for producers, but government measures to support small-scale farmers and encourage local production helped mitigate the impact, allowing the market to continue growing.

Market volume then dipped to 1,114 t in 2021 and stabilized around 1,107 t in 2022. During this period, policies to strengthen family farming and investments in producer training were gradually adopted. In 2022, the entry of new players into the vegetable sector and projects to modernize production units increased activity, while extreme weather events related to climate change posed challenges to agricultural output, contributing to the flat market size.

A sharp rise occurred in 2023, with the market reaching 1,270 t, a 14.7% increase from the previous year. This surge was driven largely by a jump in imports, which coincided with continued investment in agro-processing units and growing consumer awareness of organic and sustainable products, boosting demand for pumpkins, squash and gourds.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Mozambique

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

Mozambique's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 087 tonnes, marking a 1.5% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production rose by 4.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.4%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Mozambique

Exports in kind, kg

Mozambique's export volume of pumpkins, squash, and gourds has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 953 kilograms, showing a significant gain of 38.3% compared to the year before. Between 2018 and 2020, exports surged by 1 488.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 151.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mozambique in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Mozambique's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds were not heavily concentrated in a few key markets. The top three destinations—Tanzania (20.6% of exports), Panama (8.5%), and Singapore (8.3%)—together accounted for only 37.4% 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, $ US

Mozambique's export value of pumpkins, squash, and gourds has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 409 US dollars, reflecting a 23.9% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2020, exports grew by 1 693.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 161.8%.

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

During 2017–2020, Mozambique's export value of pumpkins, squash, and gourds was distributed across numerous markets. The leading destinations—Tanzania (14.0% of exports), Singapore (11.9%), and the United Arab Emirates (9.6%)—collectively made up just 35.4% 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 pumpkins, squash and gourds to Mozambique

Imports in kind, kg

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 5.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Mozambique imported 58 898 kilograms of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, up by 15.3% from the year before. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 7.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 384.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mozambique in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Mozambique's import volume of pumpkins, squash, and gourds was highly concentrated. South Africa alone accounted for 99.3% of total import flows.

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, $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 4.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Mozambique imported 66 161 US dollars worth of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, marking a notable decline of 17.8% year-on-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 85 730 US dollars, with the largest increase also occurring in 2018 at 328.5%.

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

In 2017–2020, South Africa was the almost exclusive supplier of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to Mozambique, accounting for 97.9% of total import value.

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

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