Western Africa: Watermelon Market 2025

Watermelon Market Size in Western Africa

The West African watermelon market rose remarkably to $X in 2022, picking up by 12% against the previous year. In general, consumption enjoyed a prominent increase. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Watermelon Production in Western Africa

In value terms, watermelon production rose markedly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production recorded prominent growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 119% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

The country with the largest volume of watermelon production was Senegal (X tons), comprising approx. 73% of total volume. Moreover, watermelon production in Senegal exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Mali (X tons), threefold.

In Senegal, watermelon production increased at an average annual rate of +24.6% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Mali (+3.4% per year) and Niger (+16.1% per year).

The average watermelon yield surged to X tons per ha in 2022, growing by 44% against 2021. In general, the yield posted a strong increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 82% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the watermelon yield reached the maximum level at X tons per ha in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of watermelons production in Western Africa fell sharply to X ha, waning by -25.9% against 2021. Overall, the harvested area, however, showed a prominent increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the harvested area increased by 108%. As a result, the harvested area attained the peak level of X ha, and then contracted dramatically in the following year.

Watermelon Exports

Exports in Western Africa

In 2022, shipments abroad of watermelons was finally on the rise to reach X tons after two years of decline. In general, exports enjoyed a strong expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 136% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, watermelon exports soared to $X in 2022. Overall, exports showed a noticeable expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 129%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Senegal was the largest exporter of watermelons in Western Africa, with the volume of exports accounting for X tons, which was approx. 86% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Mauritania (X tons), creating a 12% share of total exports.

Exports from Senegal increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Mauritania (+20.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Mauritania emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Western Africa, with a CAGR of +20.5% from 2012-2022. While the share of Mauritania (+8.4 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of Senegal (-9.7 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Senegal ($X) remains the largest watermelon supplier in Western Africa, comprising 96% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Mauritania ($X), with a 3.1% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Senegal stood at +4.4%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, surging by 7.1% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, showed a pronounced curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 an increase of 17% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Senegal ($X per ton), while Mauritania amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Senegal (-1.4%).

Watermelon Imports

Imports in Western Africa

For the fourth year in a row, Western Africa recorded growth in overseas purchases of watermelons, which increased by 11% to X tons in 2022. Overall, imports saw a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 196%. The volume of import peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, watermelon imports dropped to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports saw a buoyant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by 141% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

Mauritania represented the key importing country with an import of around X tons, which recorded 65% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Burkina Faso (X tons), making up a 30% share of total imports. The following importers - Cabo Verde (X tons) and Niger (X tons) - each reached a 3.4% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to watermelon imports into Mauritania stood at +20.0%. At the same time, Burkina Faso (+91.4%), Niger (+59.5%) and Cabo Verde (+13.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Burkina Faso emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Western Africa, with a CAGR of +91.4% from 2012-2022. While the share of Burkina Faso (+30 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2022, the share of Cabo Verde (-2.7 p.p.) and Mauritania (-25.3 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Mauritania ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported watermelons in Western Africa, comprising 80% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Cabo Verde ($X), with a 12% share of total imports. It was followed by Burkina Faso, with a 1.6% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Mauritania amounted to +22.2%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Cabo Verde (+9.8% per year) and Burkina Faso (+52.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -15.3% against the previous year. Overall, the import price recorded a perceptible curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the import price increased by 41%. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Cabo Verde ($X per ton), while Burkina Faso ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mauritania (+1.9%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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