Zimbabwe Rises to Africa’s Top Five Avocado Producers as Production Soars
Zimbabwe has risen to become one of Africa’s top five avocado producers after a major increase in production, driven by growing investments in the horticultural sector.
The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) reports that avocado output has skyrocketed, jumping 164 percent from 47,370 tonnes in 2017/18 to 125,028 tonnes in 2023/24.
This growth positions Zimbabwe among Africa’s leading avocado producers, alongside Kenya, Ethiopia, Malawi and South Africa.
Zimbabwe’s avocado industry continues to expand as the country pushes to reach US$1 billion in horticultural export earnings.
As part of trade deals with China, Zimbabwe signed the Protocol for Phytosanitary Requirements for Avocado Exports, strengthening access to a lucrative Asian market.
According to The Herald, the country signed 17 agreements with China across various industries, including agriculture, to boost trade and investment.
To expand global market reach, ZimTrade hosted avocado and macadamia buyers from China in Chipinge District earlier this month.
Negotiations are also underway to secure access to India’s markets for avocados, citrus, and blueberries.
Despite challenges from biannual production cycles and dry conditions, the Zimbabwe Avocado Growers Association (ZAGA) projects avocado exports to reach 5,000 tonnes this year.
Agricultural assessments show that Zimbabwe’s avocado farming area grew by 74 percent, rising from 1,579 hectares in 2017/18 to 2,745 hectares in 2024/25.
Yield per hectare increased from 30 tonnes to 46 tonnes over the same period.
However, only 60 percent of harvested avocados meet export quality standards, leaving room for local processing and consumption.
According to ZimStats, avocado exports have surged 128 percent, climbing from 2.7 million kg in 2017 to 6.2 million kg in 2024.
Despite the sharp increase in export volumes, earnings grew by only 24 percent, reaching US$2.09 million last year.
Zimbabwe exports both fresh and dried avocados, and with new markets opening, the industry expects further growth in the coming seasons.
