Tanzania Avocado Production Growing 20% Annually, Set to Double to 2.29M Tons & USD 2.8B by 2036 as Horticulture Leads Agricultural Exports

Tanzania’s avocado industry is experiencing 20% annual growth, with production projected to surge 329% to reach 923,620 tons by 2030/31, according to a recent presentation by the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA).

By 2035/36, production is expected to more than double again to 2.29 million tons, generating USD 2.8 billion in export revenue.

The presentation, delivered on April 4, 2025, highlights that Tanzania’s avocado exports have already increased 74% from 15,432 tons in 2020/2021 to 26,826 tons in 2022/2023.

For the 2023/2024 season, TAHA estimates exports will reach 31,950 tons.

The horticulture sector has emerged as Tanzania’s leading agricultural export earner, generating USD 569.3 million in 2024, surpassing traditional crops like tobacco (USD 517.1 million) and cashew nuts (USD 422.8 million), according to data from the Bank of Tanzania.

Tanzania aims to achieve USD 2 billion in horticulture exports by 2030.

“The sector is growing rapidly. If we take care of it and are careful with our decisions and strategies, Tanzania will be able to lead Africa and achieve a sustainable economy,” stated TAHA’s CEO, Jacqueline Mkindi.

Europe remains Tanzania’s primary market for avocados, accounting for 40% of exports, followed by India (30%), the Middle East (19%), and other markets including South Africa, Kenya, and China (11%).

The Indian market offers particularly favorable conditions for Tanzanian exporters, with shorter shipping times of 12-14 days, and Tanzania benefiting from duty exemptions, while competitors like Kenya face a 30% customs duty on CIF value.

However, the industry faces challenges, particularly in European markets, due to the Red Sea crisis, which has increased shipping times from 27 days to 45-60 days and raised shipping costs from USD 10,000-11,000 to USD 12,800 per container.

TAHA notes that using the Dar es Salaam route instead of Mombasa could save exporters approximately USD 2,500 per shipment.

The Chinese market presents both opportunities and challenges, with a lengthy registration, inspection, and certification process, and lower prices ranging from USD 2.90-3.80 per box compared to USD 4.80-7.80 in other markets.

TAHA is developing the avocado industry through various initiatives, including productivity training, improving business environments, opening market opportunities, and enhancing market infrastructure such as specialized packaging centers and collection points.

Tanzania’s Avocados

Before 2020, Tanzania’s avocado production was less than 50,000 tons per year, but the sector has since experienced rapid growth, positioning Tanzania to potentially become a leading avocado producer in Africa.

TAHA is working to attract investment through the Horticultural Export Acceleration Program (HEAP) and has established a presence in European countries and the United Kingdom to facilitate market access.