Rwandan avocado farmers and exporters have welcomed plans by Rwanda and China to sign a protocol expected to allow the export of avocados to the Chinese market. The proposed deal, announced on Tuesday, November 4, by the Rwandan Embassy in Beijing, is seen as a major step in expanding the market for the country’s horticulture exports.
Robert Rukundo, the Chairperson of Horticulture Exporters Association of Rwanda, stated that access to the Chinese market will mark a breakthrough for local exporters. “The Chinese market could become one of the biggest destinations for Rwandan avocados,” he said.
Currently, Rwandan avocado exports are primarily directed towards Dubai and parts of Europe, mostly via air transport. However, Rukundo mentioned that they are exploring sea transport to make exports more cost-effective.
Production and processing of avocados in Rwanda have seen significant growth in recent years, leading to an increased demand for investment in the avocado value chain. “Processing avocado oil is also picking up locally. We thank the government for supporting market expansion to China and other destinations,” Rukundo added.
According to the National Agricultural Export Board (NAEB), Rwanda’s avocado exports generated $6.3 million in 2023, a substantial increase from just $440,000 in 2013. That year, Rwanda exported 3,200 tonnes of avocados at an average price of $2 per kilogram.
The Rwandan government aims to increase avocado exports to 31,000 tonnes by 2029, with large markets like China and India being targeted by local producers. Theogene Twahirwa, an avocado farmer from Rulindo District, expressed optimism about the plan to access the Chinese market, calling it a “great opportunity.”
Twahirwa, who has been growing avocados on more than 2 hectares since 2022, emphasized the importance of stronger partnerships between government institutions and farmers to boost productivity and competitiveness. “Most farmers are growing avocados using their own savings, which can be challenging. We need closer collaboration with government institutions, so they understand where support is most needed,” he said.
To sustain production and meet market demands, Twahirwa highlighted the need for affordable agricultural financing, suggesting that an agriculture bank would be beneficial. “We compete with our counterparts from other countries who often access loans at very low or even zero interest rates, grants, and incentives,” he noted.
He also pointed out the necessity for reliable avocado seeds, as some suppliers provide substandard seedlings. “Improved seeds must come from trusted sources. I once received fake seedlings that I later had to replace. Ensuring quality will help us produce better and more durable trees,” he added.
Christian Mugunga, the Managing Director of MCS Star, an avocado exporting firm based in Gasabo District, mentioned that entering the Chinese market might help exporters navigate price fluctuations. “We currently export varieties like Hass and Fuerte to Dubai. Prices there change frequently, around $7-8 per 4kg box of avocado, but with more markets, we can balance and remain stable,” he said.
The NAEB has indicated that the government is expanding avocado plantations to meet rising demand. Under one project, 800 hectares have been allocated for grafted avocado seedlings in various districts, involving around 1,600 smallholder farmers. The initiative aims to plant a total of 240,000 avocado seedlings and 60,000 mango seedlings across 1,000 hectares by 2029.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources’ Fifth Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA5), land designated for export crops, including avocado, is expected to increase by 22 percent by 2029, aligning with the country’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) targets.
Sources: The New Times.
Key Points
- Rwanda and China to sign protocol for avocado exports.
- Potential for Rwandan avocados to access a large market.
- Current exports primarily to Dubai and Europe.
- Need for investment in avocado value chain highlighted.
- Government aims to increase avocado exports significantly by 2029.
