Western Africa: Sweet Potato Market 2024

Sweet Potato Market Size in Western Africa

The West African sweet potato market contracted modestly to $X in 2021, reducing by -2.5% against the previous year. The market value 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 in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 7.6%. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X, and then declined modestly in the following year.

Sweet Potato Production in Western Africa

In value terms, sweet potato production skyrocketed to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated prominent growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +84.8% against 2019 indices. As a result, production reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Nigeria (X tons) remains the largest sweet potato producing country in Western Africa, accounting for 71% of total volume. Moreover, sweet potato production in Nigeria exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Mali (X tons), ninefold. Guinea (X tons) ranked third in terms of total production with a 5.5% share.

In Nigeria, sweet potato production remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Mali (+2.8% per year) and Guinea (+4.0% per year).

In 2021, the average sweet potato yield in Western Africa dropped to X tons per ha, reducing by -5% on the previous year's figure. In general, the yield saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 9.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the sweet potato yield reached the peak level at X tons per ha in 2020, and then shrank 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.

The sweet potato harvested area amounted to X ha in 2021, surging by 2.1% on the year before. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 5.2% against the previous year. The level of harvested area peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports in Western Africa

Sweet potato exports skyrocketed to X tons in 2021, rising by 93% on 2020 figures. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 730% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sweet potato exports surged to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 644%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Senegal (X tons) and Burkina Faso (X tons) prevails in exports structure, together generating 94% of total exports. It was distantly followed by Benin (X tons), mixing up a 6.3% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the key exporting countries, was attained by Burkina Faso (with a CAGR of +8.1%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the exports figures.

In value terms, Senegal ($X) remains the largest sweet potato supplier in Western Africa, comprising 87% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Burkina Faso ($X), with an 8.4% share of total exports.

In Senegal, sweet potato exports shrank by an average annual rate of -23.3% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Burkina Faso (+26.1% per year) and Benin (+1.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -32.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, enjoyed significant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the export price increased by 1,227% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Senegal ($X per ton), while Burkina Faso ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Benin (+17.3%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports in Western Africa

Sweet potato imports dropped significantly to X tons in 2021, with a decrease of -99.3% on 2020. Overall, imports continue to indicate a sharp reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when imports increased by 861%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sweet potato imports contracted notably to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports faced a dramatic decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 86% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2020, and then declined markedly in the following year.

Imports by Country

Nigeria was the main importer of sweet potatoes in Western Africa, with the volume of imports amounting to X tons, which was approx. 85% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Senegal (X tons), achieving a 15% share of total imports.

Nigeria was also the fastest-growing in terms of the sweet potatoes imports, with a CAGR of +77.0% from 2012 to 2021. Senegal (-8.3%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Nigeria (+85 p.p.) and Senegal (+14 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Nigeria ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported sweet potatoes in Western Africa, comprising 93% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Senegal ($X), with a 6.9% share of total imports.

In Nigeria, sweet potato imports expanded at an average annual rate of +74.0% over the period from 2012-2021.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, rising by 270% against the previous year. In general, the import price enjoyed a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 an increase of 277%. The level of import peaked in 2021 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Nigeria ($X per ton), while Senegal totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Nigeria (-1.7%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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