Zim becomes 5th largest avocado producer in Africa

GOVERNMENT and private sector’s investments in the horticulture industry have seen avocado production rising 164 percent from 47 370 tonnes in the 2017/18 season to 125 028 tonnes in 2023/24 season, according to the Horticultural Development Council (HDC).

This has seen the country move up the production rankings to become the fifth-largest producer in Africa.

While the HDC did not provide details on the country’s previous ranking, records show that the number one producer was Kenya, followed by Ethiopia, Malawi, South Africa, Morocco, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Driven by the country’s engagements and re-engagements activities, earnings from avocado exports are set to increase, as the horticulture industry targets US$1 billion from exports.

President Mnangagwa recently hosted a Chinese delegation led by the executive vice governor of Jiangsu Province, Mr Ma Xin, to actualise the agreements made by the two leaders during a bilateral meeting ahead of the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) with increased trade and investment top of the agenda last year.

Zimbabwe and China signed 17 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) across various sectors that include agriculture.

Among the agreements signed was the Protocol for Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Zimbabwean Fresh Avocado to China.

The National Trade Development and Promotion Organisation of Zimbabwe (ZimTrade) invited avocado and macadamia buyers from China to Chipinge District in Manicaland province from April 8 to 10.

An X post from the Horticultural Development Council (HDC) read: “After a tough dry season, nothing says resilience like Zimbabwean avocados being packed for export.

“Zimbabwe is now Africa’s 5th largest avocado producer and new markets are opening and our growers are ready. Let’s give them the policy support they need to go even further.”

The HDC horticulture update for April 2025 concurred, saying in a major breakthrough, the country signed an avocado export protocol with China and a virtual inspection of fumigation has been submitted and two trial containers are set to ship this season.

The update also disclosed that the country was seeking to broaden its market outreach through negotiations for access to India’s markets for avocados, citrus and blueberries.

Zimbabwe Avocado Growers Association (ZAGA) revealed that an export volume of around 5 000 tonnes is expected this year.

“A challenging 2025 season is anticipated, with lower-than-expected production due to biannual production cycles and dry conditions.

“The sector looks forward to entering the Chinese market, with the first shipment expected this year,” said HDC.

Statistics from the second round of crops, livestock and fisheries assessment reports show that the avocado area rose 74 percent from 1 579 hectares in the 2017/18 agricultural season to 2 745 in the 2024/25 season.

Crops, livestock and fisheries reports compilations

The yield also rose 53 percent from 30 tonnes per hectare in the 2017/18 season to 46 in the 2023/24 season.

The second round of Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment CLAFA 2 for 2023/2024 summer season shows that avocado production increased by 21 percent from 103 680 tonnes in the 2022/23 season to 125 028 tonnes in the 2023/2024 season.

“It must be noted that only 60 percent of these avocados are exportable leaving a substantial amount for potential local beneficiation,” read CLAFA 2 report.

Meanwhile, statistics from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStats) show that avocado export volumes increased 128 percent from 2 746 376 kg in 2017 to 6 255 078 kg in 2024.

The earnings, however, only climbed 24 percent from US$1 691 212 in 2017 to US$2 097 669 last year.

Avocados are exported fresh or dried.-herald