Watermelons and melons market in Cameroon

Earlier Report Observations

The watermelon and melon market in Cameroon saw a temporary contraction in 2019, with volume falling to 126.8 thousand tons due to constraints faced by local producers, including limited financing and low productivity. A strong recovery followed in 2020, lifting the market to 142.1 thousand tons, driven by improved irrigation practices that enabled year-round cultivation and rising consumer demand for healthier, naturally grown fruits.

Steady growth continued through 2021 and 2022, with the market reaching 149.2 and then 154.7 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by efficient supply chains serving major urban centers and increasing health awareness among the population. Producers also forged new commercial partnerships and utilized local seed varieties, which enhanced market access and supported output.

The market stabilized at 155.1 thousand tons in 2023. During this period, the sector began to diversify with the emergence of value-added processing, such as watermelon wine, creating new product segments. Ongoing focus on irrigation and soil quality helped maintain production levels.

Production watermelons and melons in Cameroon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

In 2019, Cameroon produced 126 773 tonnes of watermelons and melons, which was the lowest output during the period. Production then rebounded in 2020, reaching 142 165 tonnes—a 12.1% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 timeframe, overall production grew by 7.9%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 6.8%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Cameroon

Exports in kind, t

Cameroon's exports of watermelons and melons have risen for two consecutive years. In 2019, export volume was relatively low, but it surged to 107.3 tonnes in 2020—an 823.0% increase from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2020, exports expanded by 5 209.4%, which corresponds to an annualized growth rate of 275.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Gabon was the sole destination for Cameroon's watermelon and melon exports in volume terms, accounting for 100.0% of the total.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

Cameroon's export earnings from watermelons and melons have increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 56 186 US dollars, a sharp rise of 1 261.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2018–2020 period, export value grew by 6 989.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 313.9%.

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

During 2017–2020, the export market in value terms was heavily reliant on Gabon, which absorbed 99.6% of total exports.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Cameroon

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during these years. In 2019, imports hit their lowest point at 0.0 tonnes, but they jumped to 4.1 tonnes in 2020—a dramatic increase of 31 469.2% year-over-year. The gap between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019 was 316-fold. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when imports fell by 98.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil and France were the main sources of watermelon and melon imports to Cameroon in volume terms, together accounting for 99.7% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

Import values displayed an unstable trend over this period. In 2019, imports reached their minimum at 97 US dollars, but they recovered to 2 618 US dollars in 2020—a 2 601.5% increase from the previous year. The peak occurred in 2018 at 5 923 US dollars, making the difference between the 2018 high and the 2019 low 61 times. The most significant decline was in 2019, when import value dropped by 98.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, France dominated Cameroon's watermelon and melon imports in value terms, holding a 79.7% share. The remaining volume was distributed among numerous other countries, each with smaller individual shares.

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

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