Morocco became Africa’s leading avocado exporter in 2025, shipping 141,000 tons of the fruit, a 90 percent increase over the previous year, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported on Tuesday.
The surge allowed Morocco to surpass Kenya and South Africa, which had traditionally dominated Africa’s avocado export market, reflecting years of targeted investment in production expansion and supply chain development.
According to the FAO’s Tropical Fruits Market Review, Morocco expanded its harvested avocado area by 40 percent between 2022 and 2024, while output rose by 17 percent and exports climbed 34 percent. Preliminary data for the first nine months of 2025 indicate that approximately 90 percent of Moroccan avocado exports were destined for European Union markets, where demand for the fruit remains robust.
Across Africa, total avocado exports reached 430,432 tons in 2025, up 16.7 percent from 368,845 tons in 2024. Kenya, South Africa, and Morocco together accounted for more than 75 percent of the continent’s shipments, underscoring the concentration of production and export capacity in a handful of countries.
Drivers of Morocco’s export growth
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Analysts attributed Morocco’s rise to a combination of factors, including expanded orchard areas, adoption of modern cultivation techniques, improved irrigation, and targeted support for export-oriented producers. Strategic partnerships with European importers also facilitated access to high-demand markets.
“Morocco’s avocado sector has grown rapidly thanks to careful planning, investment in productivity, and strong links to European buyers,” said a Casablanca-based agribusiness consultant. “The country has positioned itself to benefit from sustained global demand for avocados, which continues to grow in both retail and foodservice sectors.”
The FAO report highlighted that Moroccan avocado expansion reflects broader trends in African tropical fruit exports, where countries are increasingly investing in high-value crops to capture international markets.
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Economic and trade implications
The rise of Morocco as a top exporter carries significant economic benefits. Avocado cultivation provides rural employment, diversifies agricultural income, and generates foreign exchange earnings through exports. As European demand remains strong, Moroccan producers are expected to continue benefiting from premium prices and year-round market access.
In addition to Morocco, Kenya and South Africa maintained substantial export volumes. Kenya shipped 126,000 tons, while South Africa exported 102,000 tons of avocados in 2025. Together with Morocco, these countries dominate the African avocado supply chain, accounting for over three-quarters of the continent’s total exports.
Global market context
The FAO noted that global demand for avocados, particularly in Europe and North America, continues to expand, driven by consumer preferences for fresh fruit, health-conscious diets, and plant-based products. African producers are increasingly integrating into global value chains to meet these needs, emphasizing quality, certification, and logistics efficiency.
While Morocco has emerged as the leading exporter in Africa, challenges remain. Crop susceptibility to pests, water resource management, and fluctuating international prices could affect long-term growth. However, continued investment in agronomic practices, cold-chain logistics, and market diversification is expected to support sustained export performance.
Outlook
FAO analysts predict that Africa’s avocado export market will continue to grow, with Morocco likely maintaining a leading role if production and export policies remain consistent. Expansion of orchard areas and improvements in yield efficiency will be key to sustaining growth, while partnerships with European and other international buyers will be crucial for market stability.
The Moroccan government has indicated that it plans to further support high-value horticulture, including avocados, as part of its broader agricultural diversification and export promotion strategy. This approach aligns with Morocco’s objective of enhancing rural incomes, generating employment, and capturing a larger share of growing global tropical fruit markets.
