Zimbabwe’s avocado industry is experiencing a remarkable growth trajectory, with production surging by an impressive 164 percent over the past six years. This boom, driven by a combination of government and private sector investment, has positioned the country as the fifth-largest avocado producer in Africa, according to the Horticultural Development Council (HDC).
From the 47,370 tonnes recorded in the 2017/18 season, production has jumped to 125,028 tonnes in the 2023/24 season. This growth has been supported by major investments in infrastructure, market expansion strategies, and favourable policies aimed at transforming horticulture into a billion-dollar export sector.
The HDC noted that this surge reflects Zimbabwe’s broader economic re-engagement efforts, particularly in strengthening trade partnerships with global markets. One of the most promising developments is the signing of a protocol with China for the export of fresh avocados — a key outcome of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s bilateral engagements with Chinese leaders ahead of the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
A delegation from China’s Jiangsu Province recently visited Zimbabwe to operationalise these agreements. The visit underscored China’s interest in Zimbabwe’s agricultural produce, with avocado and macadamia buyers touring Chipinge District in Manicaland, a major horticultural hub.
The new phytosanitary protocol enables Zimbabwe to start trial avocado shipments to China. Two containers are already scheduled for export this season, marking a breakthrough in market access for local growers. At the same time, Zimbabwe is negotiating entry into the Indian market for avocados, citrus, and blueberries.
In its April 2025 horticulture update, the HDC celebrated the country’s resilience, especially after a tough dry season. “Zimbabwe is now Africa’s 5th largest avocado producer and new markets are opening. Our growers are ready. Let’s give them the policy support they need to go even further,” the council said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Although the Zimbabwe Avocado Growers Association (ZAGA) has forecast an export volume of 5,000 tonnes this year, challenges persist. The 2025 season is expected to be tough due to dry conditions and the biannual nature of avocado production, which typically leads to alternating years of high and low yields.
Nonetheless, the fundamentals remain strong. According to the Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment (CLAFA 2) for the 2023/24 season, the area under avocado cultivation increased by 74 percent — from 1,579 hectares in 2017/18 to 2,745 hectares in 2024/25. Yield per hectare also rose by 53 percent, climbing from 30 tonnes to 46 tonnes.
The CLAFA 2 report also highlighted that avocado output rose by 21 percent in just one year, from 103,680 tonnes in 2022/23 to 125,028 tonnes in 2023/24. However, only about 60 percent of this volume is suitable for export, leaving ample opportunity for domestic value addition.
On the export front, volumes have surged 128 percent — from 2.7 million kilograms in 2017 to over 6.2 million kilograms in 2024, according to ZimStats. While export quantities have more than doubled, earnings have risen modestly by 24 percent, from US$1.69 million to US$2.09 million, suggesting a need for better value capture in international markets.
Zimbabwe’s avocado industry now stands at a pivotal moment. With new markets on the horizon and production capabilities steadily expanding, the sector holds significant promise for employment creation, foreign currency earnings, and rural development. Continued support from both government and private players will be crucial in realising the industry’s billion-dollar potential.
