The Government of Tanzania, through the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA), has launched the 2025/2026 avocado buying season with an emphasis on quality control and value addition. The launch took place on 25 September 2025 in Njombe Region, led by the Njombe Regional Commissioner, Anthony Mtaka. He urged farmers to sell avocados on time to avoid spoilage and quality loss, noting that timely sales will enable access to competitive prices and help strengthen Tanzania's position in international markets.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture for Crop Development and Food Security, Stephen J. Nindi, stated that the government is committed to strengthening the avocado value chain, expanding international markets, and promoting agribusiness. He highlighted investments in modern storage technologies, value addition, and research to maintain international standards. According to Nindi, these measures are expected to generate employment opportunities, enhance competitiveness, and improve farmer incomes.
The launch event gathered farmers, buyers, processors, and exporters, who discussed strategies to improve the avocado sector, particularly in quality maintenance, value addition, and access to local and international markets. Other participants included Irene Mlolwa, Director of COPRA; Jacqueline Mkindi, Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA); District Commissioners; and Council Directors from avocado-producing regions.
Avocado is among Tanzania's fastest-growing horticultural exports, with production concentrated in Njombe, Songwe, Iringa, Mbeya, and Kilimanjaro. Tanzania is the third-largest avocado producer in Africa, after South Africa and Kenya, and ranks 19th globally. Exports have shown steady growth, rising from 17,711 tons valued at US$51 million in 2021/2022 to 26,826 tons valued at US$77.3 million in 2022/2023.
Source: TanzaniaInvest