Watermelons market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The watermelon market volume in Sub-Saharan Africa grew substantially from 2 129 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 3 319 thousand tons in 2020, representing a 56% increase over two years. Following this high, the market contracted, stabilizing at around 3 million tons and reaching 2 951 thousand tons by 2023. In value terms, the market followed a similar pattern, peaking at 1 961 million US dollars in 2021 before declining to 1 345 million US dollars in 2023.

In 2024, the adoption of improved seed varieties like Sukari F1 and advanced irrigation methods, including drip systems, enhanced yield and fruit quality. At the same time, growing export demand to regional and international markets such as the Middle East and Europe opened new avenues for market expansion. Farmers formed groups to strengthen their bargaining power and access larger buyers, while consumer preferences shifted toward sweeter, early-maturing varieties with better transportability.

Production watermelons in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of watermelons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons, 2017-2020

Sub-Saharan Africa's watermelon production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 3 335 thousand tonnes of watermelons, which represents a 29.2% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 200.3%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 44.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Watermelon production in Sub-Saharan Africa has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 902 million US dollars, up by 39.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 172.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports watermelons from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 14 173 tonnes and peaked in 2019 at 35 951 tonnes, showing a 2.5-fold difference. In 2020, shipments from Sub-Saharan Africa totaled 25 911 tonnes, a decrease of 27.9% compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 153.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Italy, and France were the main buyers of watermelons from Sub-Saharan Africa. Spain accounted for 55.8% of exports in kind, Italy for 3.8%, and France for 2.2%, together making up 61.7% of total exports in kind.

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

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export values hit a low in 2018 at 8 350 thousand US dollars and a high in 2019 at 19 060 thousand US dollars, with a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exported watermelons from Sub-Saharan Africa amounted to 14 777 thousand US dollars, down by 22.5% year-over-year. The largest decline was in 2018 at 24.1%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 128.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom were the key partners in export value terms. Spain represented 62.3% of exports in value, Italy 5.7%, and the United Kingdom 4.3%, collectively accounting for 72.4% 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 watermelons to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

Imported watermelon volumes in Sub-Saharan Africa have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 9 733 tonnes, a significant rise of 45.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 84%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, watermelons were imported into Sub-Saharan Africa from many different markets. Even the largest suppliers—Morocco, Egypt, and Portugal—together represented only 21.2% of total imports in kind.

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, foreign watermelon supplies to Sub-Saharan Africa declined. In 2020, the region imported 3 568 thousand US dollars worth of watermelons, a sharp drop of 21.2% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 8.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 4 528 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 31.5%.

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

During 2017–2020, imports in value terms of watermelons to Sub-Saharan Africa were distributed across many countries. Egypt accounted for 12.0% of imports in value, Morocco for 8.9%, and Portugal for 4.3%, together making up only 25.3% of total flows.

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