Watermelons and melons market in Middle Africa, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh watermelons and melons in Middle Africa started at a production level of 136.1 thousand tons in 2018, supported by investment recommendations from public and private experts in Cameroon that promoted watermelon cultivation as a promising crop for local agricultural development. Output then declined to 126.8 thousand tons in 2019 before recovering to 142.2 thousand tons in 2020.

From 2021, production entered a consistent growth phase, increasing to 149.3 thousand tons in 2021 and further to 154.7 thousand tons in 2022. By 2023, the market volume reached 155.1 thousand tons, indicating a period of stabilization after the preceding expansion.

Production watermelons and melons in Middle Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

In 2019, Middle Africa recorded its lowest watermelon and melon production at 126.8 thousand tons, which saw a decline of 6.8%. However, production rebounded significantly in 2020, reaching 142.2 thousand tons—a notable 12.1% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 7.9%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 2.6%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Middle Africa

Exports in kind, t

The export market for watermelons and melons in Middle Africa showed considerable instability during this period. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at just 3.0 tons, marking a sharp decline of 76.9%. By 2020, exports surged dramatically to 204.7 tons, representing an extraordinary increase of 2,360.8% compared to the previous year. The fluctuation between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2018 was substantial, with a 68-fold difference.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical distribution of watermelon and melon exports from Middle Africa was highly diversified. Namibia led with 27.5% of exports in kind, followed by Malta at 13.1% and the Bahamas at 4.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 44.8% of total exports, while the remaining 55.2% was spread across numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

The export market in value terms exhibited significant volatility over these years. In 2019, exports reached their minimum at 4,187 US dollars, but by 2020, they climbed to a peak of 69,395 US dollars—a dramatic increase of 1,557.4% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 37.2%. Overall, the shift from the low in 2019 to the high in 2020 represented a 17-fold change.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, watermelon and melon exports from Middle Africa in value terms were relatively evenly distributed. Namibia accounted for 12.8% of exports in value, the Bahamas for 11.1%, and Portugal for 1.5%. Combined, these three countries represented only 25.4% of total export flows, indicating a broad spread across other markets.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to Middle Africa

Imports in kind, t

The import market for watermelons and melons in Middle Africa displayed notable volatility from 2017 to 2020. In 2018, imports peaked at 241.2 tons, showing a massive increase of 901.1%. However, in 2019, imports dropped sharply to 20.5 tons, a decline of 91.5%, which was the lowest point. By 2020, imports recovered slightly to 22.3 tons, up by 9.0% from the previous year. The variation between the high in 2018 and the low in 2019 was significant, with an 11.8-fold difference.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal dominated as the primary source for watermelon and melon imports into Middle Africa, accounting for 82.7% of total imports in kind. Other countries contributed to a much smaller share, forming a less significant portion of the import market.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

After a two-year decline, Middle Africa's watermelon and melon imports in value terms saw an increase in 2020, totaling 40,262 US dollars—a rise of 9.3% from the previous year. The lowest point was recorded in 2019 at 36,826 US dollars, with the largest decline of 48.3% occurring that year. Over the entire 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 44.8%, corresponding to an average annual decline of 18.0%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, the main markets for watermelon and melon imports into Middle Africa in value terms were Portugal, with 29.2% of imports, France at 27.0%, and Brazil at 11.1%. Together, these three countries accounted for 67.3% of total import flows.

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

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