The Government of Tanzania, through the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA), has officially launched the 2025/2026 avocado buying season, emphasizing quality control and value addition to increase the crop’s contribution to the national economy and farmers’ income.
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 farmers to secure better and more competitive prices while strengthening Tanzania’s position in international markets.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture responsible for Crop Development and Food Security, Stephen J. Nindi, said the government is committed to strengthening the avocado value chain, expanding international markets, and promoting profitable agribusiness for farmers.
He explained that investments are being made in modern storage technologies, value addition, and research to ensure Tanzanian avocados continue to meet international standards.
According to him, this approach is expected to create more jobs for youth, enhance the competitiveness of Tanzanian avocados globally, and raise farmers’ incomes.
Participants at the event, including farmers, buyers, processors, and exporters, discussed strategies to improve the avocado industry, particularly in enhancing value addition, maintaining quality, and opening up local and international market opportunities.
Also present were Irene Mlolwa, Director of COPRA; Jacqueline Mkindi, Chief Executive Officer of the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA); District Commissioners; and Council Directors from various avocado-growing areas in the country.
Avocado is one of Tanzania’s fastest-growing horticultural exports, mainly cultivated in Njombe, Songwe, Iringa, Mbeya, and Kilimanjaro regions.
Tanzania is the third-largest avocado producer in Africa, after South Africa and Kenya, and the 19th country in the world.
Tanzania’s avocado exports increased from 17,711.49 tons, valued at USD 51 million in 2021/2022, to 26,826.30 tons, valued at USD 77.3 million in 2022/2023.
