Africa: Sweet Potato Market 2025

Sweet Potato Market Size in Africa

After two years of growth, the African sweet potato market decreased by -1.1% to $X in 2021. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then fell slightly in the following year.

Sweet Potato Production in Africa

In value terms, sweet potato production skyrocketed to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.2% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +82.6% against 2018 indices. As a result, production attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2021 were Malawi (X tons), Tanzania (X tons) and Nigeria (X tons), together accounting for 52% of total production. These countries were followed by Angola, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Madagascar, Burundi, Kenya, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique and Egypt, which together accounted for a further 38%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Angola (with a CAGR of +11.4%), while production for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The average sweet potato yield contracted slightly to X tons per ha in 2021, with a decrease of -4.1% against 2020. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the yield increased by 9.6% against the previous year. The level of yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2020, and then shrank slightly in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the harvested area of sweet potatoes in Africa rose slightly to X ha, increasing by 2.5% against the previous year. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the harvested area increased by 7.5%. The level of harvested area peaked in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports in Africa

In 2021, the amount of sweet potatoes exported in Africa rose notably to X tons, surging by 6.1% against the previous year. Overall, exports enjoyed significant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when exports increased by 234% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, sweet potato exports expanded markedly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate significant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when exports increased by 110%. The level of export peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

The shipments of the one major exporters of sweet potatoes, namely Egypt, represented more than two-thirds of total export.

Egypt was also the fastest-growing in terms of the sweet potatoes exports, with a CAGR of +29.4% from 2012 to 2021. Egypt (+21 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Egypt ($X) also remains the largest sweet potato supplier in Africa.

In Egypt, sweet potato exports expanded at an average annual rate of +28.0% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 8.3% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when the export price increased by 57%. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Egypt.

From 2012 to 2021, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Egypt amounted to -1.1% per year.

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports in Africa

In 2021, approx. X tons of sweet potatoes were imported in Africa; shrinking by -88.4% on the year before. Overall, imports recorded a abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 313%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, sweet potato imports shrank dramatically to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports showed a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 29%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X, and then shrank sharply in the following year.

Imports by Country

Botswana dominates imports structure, finishing at X tons, which was near 76% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Rwanda (X tons) and Nigeria (X tons), together generating a 12% share of total imports. The following importers - Egypt (X tons), South Africa (X tons) and Morocco (X tons) - together made up 11% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to sweet potato imports into Botswana stood at +13.8%. At the same time, Morocco (+105.7%) and Nigeria (+77.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Morocco emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Africa, with a CAGR of +105.7% from 2012-2021. By contrast, South Africa (-1.1%), Egypt (-1.5%) and Rwanda (-27.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Botswana (+72 p.p.), Nigeria (+4.5 p.p.), Egypt (+4 p.p.), Morocco (+3.2 p.p.) and South Africa (+2.8 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Rwanda saw its share reduced by -18.2% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, Botswana ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported sweet potatoes in Africa, comprising 70% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Egypt ($X), with a 10% share of total imports. It was followed by Morocco, with an 8.7% share.

In Botswana, sweet potato imports increased at an average annual rate of +10.0% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Egypt (+5.8% per year) and Morocco (+98.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, growing by 84% against the previous year. Overall, the import price saw a strong expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 an increase of 212% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs in 2021 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Morocco ($X per ton), while South Africa ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Egypt (+7.5%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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