Africa: How Morocco Is Redrawing Africa's Avocado Trade Map
Morocco has become Africa's leading exporter of avocados, overtaking Kenya, with a significant increase in its export volumes as the continent's avocado trade dynamics shift.
In 2025, Africa's avocado exports reached approximately 430,000 tonnes, marking a 16.7% increase from the previous year, driven by a growing demand in European, Middle Eastern, and Asian markets. This surge highlights not only the growth in production but also the importance of logistics and infrastructure in facilitating trade. The Food and Agriculture Organization's review indicates that logistics strategy and market access are becoming as critical as farm output itself, reshaping how avocados are marketed across the continent.
Morocco's emergence as the leading exporter was a standout development in this shifting landscape. The country significantly increased its exports by around 90% year-on-year to about 141,000 tonnes in 2025. This advancement allowed Morocco to surpass Kenya, which had previously held the top spot but saw a decline of 19% in its export volumes, dropping to an estimated 105,164 tonnes. This change not only illustrates Morocco's improved production capabilities but also its strategic positioning in enhancing trade routes and infrastructure, which are essential for boosting agricultural exports.
The implications of this shift in avocado trade are broad-reaching, especially as they reflect wider economic trends within the agricultural sector in Africa. With Morocco's success, other nations on the continent may look to enhance their own agricultural exports by investing in logistics and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, the evolving dynamics in the avocado trade can influence pricing structures and market competitiveness, impacting farmers and businesses throughout the African agricultural landscape.