Tanzanian Minister of Agriculture, Daniel Chongolo, has emphasized the need for avocado farmers in the country to focus on quality, packaging, and transportation that meet international standards. This, he believes, will enable Tanzania to become a hub for avocados in Africa and make the country's avocado industry competitive in the global market. Chongolo made these remarks while opening the Third National Avocado Stakeholders' Conference in Dodoma.
The government's mission is to increase avocado production from 6 tons per hectare in 2021 to 10.8 tons per hectare by 2030 as part of the implementation of the 10/30 Agenda. To achieve this, Chongolo has tasked the Tanzania Coffee and Horticultural Crops Regulatory Authority (TCHRA) to oversee the value addition of avocados by producing various products such as oil, cosmetics, animal feed, and other goods.
Chongolo commended a young entrepreneur from Kibondo Farm for innovating various avocado products, including avocado ice cream. He encouraged other farmers and stakeholders to emulate this example and explore new opportunities in the avocado value chain. The minister also highlighted the government's efforts to improve the avocado industry, including the construction of 20 avocado collection and storage facilities, which is currently at 61.1% completion.
The government has also made efforts to open new markets for Tanzanian avocados, including in the Netherlands, India, the United Arab Emirates, France, South Africa, and China. These efforts have led to an increase in avocado production from 149,340 tons in 2020/2021 to 203,473 tons in 2025/2026, representing a 36.24% increase. Export earnings have also risen by 237% to $97.2 million.
For the 2026/2027 season, the government has pledged to provide training to 9,500 farmers and 500 extension officers, as well as distribute 1.7 million avocado seedlings through youth and women's groups. This is part of a broader strategy to support the growth of the avocado industry and increase its contribution to the country's economy.
The conference, which was attended by over 400 participants, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Gerald Mweli, and members of the Parliamentary Committee on Industry, Trade, Agriculture, and Livestock, aimed to bring together stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities in the avocado sector. The event also provided a platform for farmers, processors, traders, and transporters to network and share experiences.
The growth of the avocado industry in Tanzania is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and provide new opportunities for farmers and other stakeholders. With the government's support and the commitment of stakeholders, Tanzania is poised to become a major player in the global avocado market.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government aims to increase avocado production from 6 tons per hectare in 2021 to 10.8 tons per hectare by 2030.
- The government has constructed 20 avocado collection and storage facilities, which is currently at 61.1% completion.
- Export earnings from avocados have risen by 237% to $97.2 million.
