How Much Does a Basket of Tomatoes Cost in 5 African Markets? - May 2025 Report

Published May 09, 2025 | Zellow Insights — Price Category

In most African households, tomatoes are a cooking essential, but how much are people really paying for them? We surveyed traders and shoppers across five major African markets to uncover the price dynamics of one of the continent’s most consumed ingredients.

Key Findings

• Lagos (Nigeria) had the highest average price at ₦18,000 per full basket.

• Kumasi (Ghana) recorded the lowest, with a full basket averaging ₵90 (₦11,000 equivalent).

• Prices varied by season, with spikes in dry months due to reduced supply.

• 71% of respondents noticed tomato prices had increased by over 20% in the past year.

Market Comparison

We looked at five popular markets in major African cities:

Insight: Prices are not only driven by local supply but also by exchange rate volatility, transportation costs, and import dependency.

Why Are Prices So Unstable?

1. Seasonal Farming: Most tomatoes are rain-fed, so prices soar in dry seasons (Dec–Feb).

2. Logistics: Bad roads and poor storage lead to spoilage, which increases costs.

3. Cross-border Demand: Countries like Ghana and Nigeria import tomatoes from neighboring countries when supply is low.

Packaging Differences

A “basket” doesn’t always mean the same thing. In some regions:

• Baskets are lined with nylon to cheat volume.

• Weight varies: some hold 40kg, others as little as 25kg.

Zellow Standardized Basket: For our insight, we used a consistent 40kg equivalent to level the comparison.

What Shoppers & Sellers Say

“Prices go up during dry season, and we can't store much. Most spoils before the next day.” - Anonymous respondent, Mile 12 Market, Lagos

“Sometimes we import tomatoes from Burkina Faso, and that adds to price.” - Anonymous respondent, Accra

Who’s Affected the Most?

• Low-income families who rely on tomatoes daily for soups and sauces.

• Food vendors and street canteens, who operate on tight margins.

• Local farmers, who suffer losses from spoilage and middlemen price cuts.

The Bigger Picture

The tomato economy isn’t just about food, it reflects agriculture gaps, infrastructure challenges, and trade inefficiencies.

Want to contribute prices from your market?
Open the Zellow App and submit the cost of your last tomato purchase.