Western Africa: Sweet Potato Market 2024

Sweet Potato Market Size in Western Africa

In 2023, the West African sweet potato market decreased by X% to $X, falling for the third year in a row after two years of growth. Over the period under review, consumption showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of X% against the previous year. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2018 to 2023, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Sweet Potato Production in Western Africa

In value terms, sweet potato production dropped to $X in 2023 estimated in export price. Overall, production posted buoyant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of X%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2023, production failed to regain momentum.

Nigeria (X tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of sweet potato production, comprising approx. X% of total volume. Moreover, sweet potato production in Nigeria exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Mali (X tons), eightfold. The third position in this ranking was held by Guinea (X tons), with a X% share.

In Nigeria, sweet potato production expanded at an average annual rate of X% over the period from 2012-2023. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Mali (X% per year) and Guinea (X% per year).

The average sweet potato yield stood at X tons per ha in 2023, approximately reflecting 2022. Overall, the yield saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of X%. The level of yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2021; afterwards, it flattened through to 2023. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2023, approx. X ha of sweet potatoes were harvested in Western Africa; remaining relatively unchanged against 2022 figures. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of X% from 2012 to 2023; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of X% against the previous year. The level of harvested area peaked at X ha in 2022, and then dropped slightly in the following year.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports in Western Africa

For the seventh year in a row, Western Africa recorded decline in overseas shipments of sweet potatoes, which decreased by X% to X tons in 2023. Over the period under review, exports saw a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by X% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2017 to 2023, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sweet potato exports skyrocketed to $X in 2023. In general, exports, however, saw a modest increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of X%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2023, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Benin (X tons) and Mali (X tons) represented roughly X% of total exports in 2023. It was distantly followed by Nigeria (X tons) and Senegal (X tons), together making up a X% share of total exports. Burkina Faso (X tons) took a relatively small share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the key exporting countries, was attained by Benin (with a CAGR of X%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

In value terms, Mali ($X), Benin ($X) and Senegal ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2023, with a combined X% share of total exports.

Benin, with a CAGR of X%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the exports figures.

Export Prices by Country

In 2023, the export price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, picking up by X% against the previous year. In general, the export price enjoyed resilient growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the export price increased by X%. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs in 2023 and is likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Mali ($X per ton), while Burkina Faso ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mali (X%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports in Western Africa

In 2023, imports of sweet potatoes in Western Africa skyrocketed to X tons, rising by X% compared with 2022 figures. Overall, imports continue to indicate significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by X%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum in 2023 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

In value terms, sweet potato imports surged to $X in 2023. In general, imports recorded a prominent expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of X% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2017 to 2023, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2023, Mauritania (X tons) was the main importer of sweet potatoes, constituting X% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Togo (X tons), making up a X% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2023, average annual rates of growth with regard to sweet potato imports into Mauritania stood at X%. At the same time, Togo (X%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Togo emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Western Africa, with a CAGR of X% from 2012-2023. From 2012 to 2023, the share of Mauritania and Togo increased by X and X percentage points, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Mauritania ($X) and Togo ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2023.

Togo, with a CAGR of X%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review.

Import Prices by Country

In 2023, the import price in Western Africa amounted to $X per ton, reducing by X% against the previous year. Overall, the import price recorded a abrupt descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2023, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2023, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Togo ($X per ton), while Mauritania totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Mauritania (X%).

Source: IndexBox Platform