Sweet potatoe market in Western Africa, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The sweet potato market volume in Western Africa grew consistently from 5.6 million tons in 2018 to 6.1 million tons in 2023. The initial momentum was supported by the launch of the 6th edition of the SARA agricultural exhibition in Abidjan during 2018, which stimulated the local agricultural sector through technology sharing and investment promotion.

In value terms, the market saw a brief stabilization around $5.8 billion in 2020 before rising sharply to reach $7.6 billion by 2023. This shift reflected changing price levels and demand patterns over the period.

By 2023, the government's program to build local markets enhanced wholesale supply and distribution networks for staple foods, improving market access for sweet potatoes and supporting further volume growth.

Production sweet potatoe in Western Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sweet potatoe, 2017-2020

World map of production of sweet potatoe, 2017-2020

Western Africa's sweet potato production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 5 917 K t of sweet potatoes, marking a moderate 5.8% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 5 562 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 7.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After rising for two years, Western Africa's sweet potato production value declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 5 846 M $ US, representing a 1.2% decrease from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 22.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 5 916 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 13.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports sweet potatoe from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decrease, Western Africa's sweet potato export volumes increased. In 2020, exports reached 3 724 t, a significant 50.0% rise from the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 51.9%, with a compound annual decline of 21.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 483 t, which also experienced the largest decline of 46.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands were the leading destinations for Western Africa's sweet potato exports in kind. The United Kingdom accounted for 6.8% of exports, France for 0.9%, and the Netherlands for 0.8%, together making up 8.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year reduction, Western Africa's sweet potato export values increased. In 2020, export value stood at 3 679 K $ US, reflecting a sharp 40.0% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, however, export values decreased by 40.1%, equating to an annualized decline of 15.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 627 K $ US, which also saw the largest drop of 41.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands remained the key destinations for Western Africa's sweet potato exports in value terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 40.1% of export value, France for 6.1%, and the Netherlands for 5.6%, together representing 51.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports sweet potatoe to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

Western Africa's sweet potato imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 281 t, showing a sharp 70.7% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 183.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 41.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands and Belgium were the main suppliers of sweet potatoes to Western Africa in kind, together accounting for 5.4% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. The lowest import value was recorded in 2017, while the highest was reached in 2020, showing a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, sweet potato imports into Western Africa stood at 1 764 K $ US, a substantial 73.3% increase from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 1.7%.

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

Over 2017-2020, the geographical structure of imports in value terms was highly diversified. Belgium accounted for 17.7% of import value, the Netherlands for 7.0%, and Portugal for 3.2%, together representing only 27.9% of total flows. The remaining 72.1% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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