Watermelons and melons market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for watermelons and melons in Sub-Saharan Africa grew strongly between 2018 and 2020, with volume rising from 2.3 million tonnes to 3.5 million tonnes. This expansion occurred alongside global shifts, including declining melon production in Australia and Spain, which may have created opportunities for other producing regions. Simultaneously, rising consumer demand in France for watermelons, particularly from younger families, spurred the development of new varieties and could have incentivized increased production for export.

Market volume retreated after 2020, falling to 3.3 million tonnes in 2021 and stabilizing around 3.2 million tonnes through 2023. During this period, export flows from the region became more volatile, with shipments jumping to 95,000 tonnes in 2023.

By 2024, the broader industry faced significant pressures, including severe drought in Morocco that delayed harvests and reduced volumes for European markets, leading to supply shortages and higher prices. Consumer preferences continued evolving towards seedless watermelons and organic produce, while intense competition from Turkish suppliers and challenging weather across Mediterranean countries further shaped the global trade landscape.

Production watermelons and melons in Sub-Saharan 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

Sub-Saharan Africa's production of watermelons and melons has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 3 576 thousand tonnes, which represents a 27.3% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 171.1%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 39.4%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Sub-Saharan Africa exported 40 854 tonnes of watermelons and melons, a decrease of 13.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 20.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 30 004 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 47 106 tonnes. The most significant year-on-year increase was in 2019, when exports jumped by 57.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Spain, France, and Italy—collectively accounted for 65.3% of Sub-Saharan Africa's total watermelon and melon exports by volume.

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, the value of watermelon and melon exports from Sub-Saharan Africa totaled 27 150 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp decline of 18.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value fell by 27.5%, which corresponds to an average annual decrease of 10.2%. The only notable increase during this period was in 2019, when export value grew by 4.5%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the main buyers of watermelons and melons from Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms were Spain (38.8% of exports), the United Kingdom (17.3%), and France (12.0%). Together, these three markets represented 68.1% of total export value.

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 watermelons and melons to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

Sub-Saharan Africa's imports of watermelons and melons have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 12 174 tonnes, up 18.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 24.3%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 7.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, imports by volume were spread across numerous partner countries. The top three sources—Morocco (16.7% of imports), Portugal (3.7%), and Spain (2.6%)—combined for just 23.0% of total import volume, indicating a highly diversified supply base.

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

After two years of growth, the value of watermelon and melon imports into Sub-Saharan Africa declined in 2020, reaching 5 892 thousand US dollars—a 32.2% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 20%, averaging an annual decline of 7.2%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 8 693 thousand US dollars, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, with a 16.0% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, watermelon and melon imports into Sub-Saharan Africa were sourced from a wide range of markets. The top three suppliers by value—Egypt (9.2% of imports), Portugal (8.1%), and Spain (6.4%)—together accounted for only 23.7% of total import value. The remaining 76.3% came from numerous smaller destinations, highlighting the region's diverse import profile.

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