Watermelons and melons market in Guinea

Earlier Report Observations

The production of watermelons and melons in Guinea increased consistently from 76 351 t in 2018 to 97 128 t in 2023, driven largely by the AgriFARM project launched in 2018. This initiative, funded by IFAD, BADEA, OFID, and the Guinean government, aimed to boost incomes for 78 000 family farms, enhance their climate resilience, and improve access to local and regional markets. By strengthening the agricultural value chain and commercialization, AgriFARM provided direct support to fruit production, including watermelons and melons, throughout the period.

The positive momentum continued with the project's mid-term review in 2022 confirming its ongoing impact. In 2023, the government signed agreements with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts of Guinea to stabilize prices and ensure supply of essential goods, indirectly benefiting the distribution and consumption of fresh produce. Additionally, Guinea's rise as the second-largest rice producer in West Africa reflected broader agricultural dynamism that likely aided other crops. For 2024, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and SMEs secured funds to support agricultural value chains through equipment acquisition, further promoting production and market access.

Production watermelons and melons in Guinea

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

Guinea's production of watermelons and melons has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 84 077 tonnes, representing a 4.9% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 15.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.9%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Guinea

Exports in kind, kg

The market experienced significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019, while the highest occurred in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 184 times. In 2020, Guinea exported 159 kg of watermelons and melons, marking a 23.3% increase year-over-year. The minimum value was 129 kg in 2019, which also saw the largest decline of 99.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guinea's watermelons and melons exports were primarily directed to Spain, which accounted for 98.8% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

The market displayed volatility over the observed timeframe. The lowest export value was in 2019, with the peak in 2018, showing a 105-fold difference. In 2020, exports of watermelons and melons from Guinea totaled 299 US dollars, reflecting a solid 18.8% rise compared to the previous year. The minimum value was 251 US dollars in 2019, which also recorded the largest decline of 99.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Guinea's watermelons and melons exports were largely focused on Spain, whose share in total export value reached 97.9%.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Guinea

Imports in kind, kg

Guinea's imports of watermelons and melons have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 475 kg, indicating a sharp drop of 80.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 88%, with a compound annual growth rate of -50.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, the import structure in volume was dominated by Morocco and Spain, which together held a 99.7% share of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

The market showed noticeable fluctuations in performance. The peak was in 2019, followed by a trough in 2020, resulting in a 2.2-fold swing. In 2020, Guinea's import value for watermelons and melons stood at 2 561 US dollars, representing a steep 54.6% decrease from the previous year. The maximum value was 5 640 US dollars in 2019, which also saw the largest increase of 98.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco and Spain were the main suppliers of watermelons and melons to Guinea, collectively accounting for 98.4% of total import value, while other partners played a minor role.

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

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