In just six years, Zimbabwe has smashed expectations to become Africa’s fifth-largest avocado producer, thanks to a powerful blend of public-private investment, international diplomacy, and sheer agricultural resilience.

Zimbabwe’s avocado industry is thriving, with production surging by 164 percent from 47,370 tonnes in the 2017/18 season to an impressive 125,028 tonnes in 2023/24. The achievement, confirmed by the Horticultural Development Council (HDC), has catapulted the country ahead of seasoned producers like Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Key to this green revolution has been a strategic push from both government and private sector players to revitalise the horticulture sector. Enhanced international engagement, particularly with China, is already paying off. 

Zimbabwe and China recently inked a crucial Phytosanitary Protocol allowing fresh avocado exports one of 17 agreements sealed during President Mnangagwa’s bilateral talks with Chinese officials.

“After a tough dry season, nothing says resilience like Zimbabwean avocados being packed for export,” the HDC posted on X. “Zimbabwe is now Africa’s 5th largest avocado producer… Let’s give them the policy support they need to go even further.”

The country’s avocado export strategy is gaining serious traction. In April, Chinese buyers toured farms in Chipinge, Manicaland the heart of Zimbabwe’s avocado belt. Two trial containers are now primed for shipment to China, marking the start of what could be a major export pipeline.

Avocado farming is also expanding rapidly at home. Planted area has jumped 74 percent from 1,579 hectares in 2017/18 to 2,745 hectares in 2024/25. Yields are improving too, rising from 30 to 46 tonnes per hectare a 53 percent gain.

Export volumes have followed suit, more than doubling from 2.74 million kg in 2017 to 6.25 million kg in 2024, according to ZimStats. However, export earnings grew by only 24 percent, from US$1.69 million to US$2.09 million, underscoring the urgent need to add value through processing and packaging.

To that end, industry leaders are eyeing products like avocado oil and guacamole to capture more value and reach premium markets. Only 60 percent of the current crop is exportable, leaving ample opportunity for local beneficiation.

Looking ahead, the sector faces headwinds from dry conditions and natural biannual production cycles, which may result in lower harvests in 2025. Still, the Zimbabwe Avocado Growers Association (ZAGA) expects to export 5,000 tonnes this year—proof that the momentum is far from slowing.

With market access talks also underway with India for avocados, citrus, and blueberries, Zimbabwe’s horticultural future looks ripe with promise. The avocado boom, in particular, is fast becoming a symbol of the nation’s potential to grow, trade, and lead on the global agricultural stage.