Tomato market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, tomato production in Sub-Saharan Africa increased by over 2,000 thousand tons, reaching 13,030 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by ongoing population growth and urbanization, which raised demand for fresh tomatoes. During the early years, the market was characterized by relative self-sufficiency in key producing countries like South Africa, with exports exceeding imports.

The market faced operational challenges in 2022 when widespread load shedding disrupted energy-intensive hydroponic farming, forcing some growers to switch back to soil-based methods. Additionally, rainfall and hail damage caused temporary supply shortages, contributing to price spikes. Despite these hurdles, major suppliers such as ZZ2 maintained stable sales, and supermarkets remained crucial distribution channels.

In 2023 and 2024, contracted volumes for fresh tomatoes grew, particularly through processors like Dursots, which accounted for a significant share of the market. However, production costs rose substantially due to higher operational, labor, and input expenses. Consumer preferences and income levels continued to shape demand, while supply chain disruptions and weather events periodically affected output.

Production tomato in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of tomato, 2017-2020

World map of production of tomato, 2017-2020

Tomato production in Sub-Saharan Africa has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 12 591 K t of tomatoes, marking a 12.5% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 24.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 7.6%.

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

Exports tomato from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

Tomato exports from Sub-Saharan Africa declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region exported 20 301 t of tomatoes, representing a significant drop of 18.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 29.6%, averaging an annual decline of 11.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 31 319 t, with the largest increase of 8.6% also occurring that year. In contrast, the sharpest decline of 20.3% was observed in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export destinations for tomatoes from Sub-Saharan Africa were highly diversified. The Netherlands accounted for 6.1% of exports in kind, Belarus for 1.9%, and France for 1.9%, collectively making up just 10.0% of total flows. The remaining 90.0% was distributed across a wide array of other countries.

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

In 2020, tomato exports from Sub-Saharan Africa reached 38 418 K $ US, showing a strong increase of 24.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 14%, with an annualized growth rate of 4.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 30 908 K $ US, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 48 789 K $ US. The largest decline of 36.7% took place in 2019, whereas the highest increase of 44.7% was seen in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner portfolio for tomato exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms was quite broad. The Netherlands contributed 17.7% of exports in value terms, France 5.4%, and Belarus 5.1%, together representing only 28.2% of total 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 tomato to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, tomato imports into Sub-Saharan Africa rebounded. In 2020, imports stood at 13 490 t, reflecting a substantial increase of 23.1% from the previous year. However, from 2017 to 2020, imports overall decreased by 12.6%, averaging an annual decline of 4.4%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 10 961 t, with the largest drop of 20.6% occurring in 2018.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 show that tomato imports into Sub-Saharan Africa in kind were not concentrated among a few key sources. Morocco accounted for 1.4% of imports in kind, Special Categories for 0.9%, and China for 0.8%, together making up only 3.1% of total 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 tomato imports in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 16 277 K $ US, showing minimal change from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 22.2%, with an annualized decline of 8.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 21 986 K $ US, while the largest decline of 25.8% occurred in 2019. The largest increase of 5.1% was also observed in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, tomato imports into Sub-Saharan Africa involved trade with numerous countries. Even the top destinations—Turkey, Morocco, and Portugal—collectively accounted for only 7.5% of total imports in value terms.

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