Sweet potatoe market in Côte d'Ivoire

Earlier Report Observations

The sweet potato market in Côte d'Ivoire expanded from 55 539 tonnes in 2018 to 61 621 tonnes in 2023. This growth was initially driven by the introduction and nationwide promotion of the orange-fleshed sweet potato (PDCO) variety, starting in 2017. The National Agricultural Research Centre (CNRA) and Helen Keller International worked with about 80 women's agricultural groups to disseminate PDCO, aiming to combat malnutrition. This direct effort to increase cultivation of a more nutritious and consumer-aware variety boosted both production and local consumption.

After a contraction to 57 157 tonnes in 2021, the market recovered and continued growing through 2023. This later expansion was supported by sustained promotion of PDCO and new initiatives to attract youth to sweet potato farming, backed by the International Potato Center and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The development and commercialization of new, drought-resistant varieties adapted to local climatic conditions further strengthened production capacity and market supply.

Throughout the period, rising consumer awareness of the health benefits of sweet potatoes reinforced demand. The sector also operated within a supportive framework of broader government agricultural policies under the National Development Plan (2021-2025), which aimed to strengthen staple crop value chains.

Production sweet potatoe in Côte d'Ivoire

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sweet potatoe, 2017-2020

World map of production of sweet potatoe, 2017-2020

Sweet potato production in Côte d'Ivoire has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 57 983 tonnes of sweet potatoes, marking a 1.3% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports sweet potatoe from Côte d'Ivoire

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the observed period. From 2017 to 2018, exports experienced a peak-to-trough amplitude of 52 times. In 2020, Côte d'Ivoire exported 26 tonnes of sweet potatoes, representing a significant increase of 663.2% compared to the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 87 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 96.1%, while the largest increase was in 2018, surging by 5 143.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Senegal and Mali together accounted for 89.1% of Côte d'Ivoire's total sweet potato exports in kind, with the remaining volume distributed among smaller markets.

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

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2020, showing a 10.3-fold variation. In 2020, the value of sweet potato exports from Côte d'Ivoire totaled 1.7 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp decline of 40.1% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 17.9 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with an 83.7% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 853.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Senegal, France, and Mali were the leading destinations for Côte d'Ivoire's sweet potato exports in value terms. Senegal accounted for 41.0% of exports, France for 6.5%, and Mali for 4.6%, together representing 52.1% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020

Imports sweet potatoe to Côte d'Ivoire

Imports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 55 tonnes, while the highest was in 2020 at 1 168 tonnes, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 21 times. In 2020, sweet potato imports to Côte d'Ivoire amounted to 1 168 tonnes, indicating a dramatic increase of 376.3% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a decrease of 35.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands and Mali were the primary sources for Côte d'Ivoire's sweet potato imports in kind, together making up 94.9% of total flows, while other markets contributed minimally.

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

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Côte d'Ivoire's sweet potato imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 258.3 thousand US dollars, up by 481.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 8 863.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 347.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands and Mali dominated as suppliers of sweet potatoes to Côte d'Ivoire in value terms, together accounting for 90.7% of total imports, with other partners playing a less significant role.

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

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020