Nigeria: Sweet Potato Market 2025

Sweet Potato Market Size in Nigeria

For the fifth year in a row, the Nigerien sweet potato market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by 0.8% to $X in 2021. In general, consumption recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. Sweet potato consumption peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

Sweet Potato Production in Nigeria

In value terms, sweet potato production skyrocketed to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.4% 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 +78.7% against 2019 indices. As a result, production attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

The average yield of sweet potatoes in Nigeria reduced slightly to X tons per ha in 2021, with a decrease of -2% against the previous year's figure. Overall, the yield showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the yield increased by 6.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average sweet potato yield reached the peak level at X tons per ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the yield failed to regain momentum. 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 Nigeria stood at X ha, with an increase of 2.3% compared with the previous year's figure. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 with an increase of 8.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to sweet potato production reached the maximum at X ha in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports from Nigeria

In 2020, exports of sweet potatoes from Nigeria stood at X tons, flattening at 2019 figures. Over the period under review, exports showed a significant expansion. The smallest decline of 99.9% was in 2015. The exports peaked in 2020 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

In value terms, sweet potato exports amounted to $X in 2020. In general, exports enjoyed strong growth. The smallest decline of 99.9% was in 2015. The exports peaked in 2020 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

Niger (X tons) and Canada (X kg) were the main destinations of sweet potato exports from Nigeria.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Niger (with a CAGR of -19.2%).

In value terms, the largest markets for sweet potato exported from Nigeria were Niger ($X) and Canada ($X).

Niger, with a CAGR of -18.5%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review.

Export Prices by Country

The average sweet potato export price stood at less than $X per ton in 2021, dropping by 99.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed a sharp setback. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Canada ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Niger stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Canada (+6.8%).

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports into Nigeria

In 2021, imports of sweet potatoes into Nigeria dropped markedly to X tons, waning by -84.3% on 2020 figures. In general, imports, however, recorded a significant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 1,326%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sweet potato imports shrank remarkably to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, saw a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when imports increased by 1,460%. Imports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Belgium (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of sweet potato to Nigeria, with a 78% share of total imports. Moreover, sweet potato imports from Belgium exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the UK (X tons), fourfold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Belgium amounted to +33.2%.

In value terms, Belgium ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sweet potatoes to Nigeria, comprising 79% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the UK ($X), with an 18% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Belgium amounted to +29.0%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average sweet potato import price amounted to $X per ton, declining by -13.1% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a mild decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 an increase of 61%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Belgium ($X per ton), while the price for the UK stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (-3.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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