Morocco has emerged as Africa’s leading avocado exporter, marking a historic shift in the continent’s agricultural trade and overtaking long-dominant regional competitors.
According to recent data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Morocco’s avocado exports surged by nearly 90 percent in 2025, reaching approximately 141,000 tonnes. The sharp increase places the North African country ahead of Kenya, whose exports declined by about 19 percent to roughly 105,000 tonnes over the same period.
The development represents a major turning point in Africa’s avocado market. For years, Kenya held the top position as the continent’s primary supplier to European markets. However, shipping disruptions in the Red Sea region significantly extended transit times and increased freight costs for East African exporters, weakening Kenya’s competitive position.
According to recent data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Morocco’s avocado exports surged by nearly 90 percent in 2025, reaching approximately 141,000 tonnes. The sharp increase places the North African country ahead of Kenya, whose exports declined by about 19 percent to roughly 105,000 tonnes over the same period.
The development represents a major turning point in Africa’s avocado market. For years, Kenya held the top position as the continent’s primary supplier to European markets. However, shipping disruptions in the Red Sea region significantly extended transit times and increased freight costs for East African exporters, weakening Kenya’s competitive position.
Meanwhile, Morocco has expanded its avocado production capacity in recent years. Government data indicate that the country increased its harvested avocado area by around 40 percent between 2022 and 2024. Favorable growing conditions, investment in irrigation systems, and proximity to European Union markets have strengthened Morocco’s export advantage.
Approximately 90 percent of Morocco’s avocado shipments are destined for European markets, where demand for year-round supply continues to rise. Industry analysts say Morocco’s geographic location allows for faster delivery times compared to many African and Latin American competitors.
South Africa now ranks behind Morocco and Kenya among African exporters.
Observers say Morocco’s rapid rise signals changing dynamics in the global avocado trade, with the country positioning itself not only as Africa’s leading supplier but also as an increasingly significant player on the international stage.
Approximately 90 percent of Morocco’s avocado shipments are destined for European markets, where demand for year-round supply continues to rise. Industry analysts say Morocco’s geographic location allows for faster delivery times compared to many African and Latin American competitors.
South Africa now ranks behind Morocco and Kenya among African exporters.
Observers say Morocco’s rapid rise signals changing dynamics in the global avocado trade, with the country positioning itself not only as Africa’s leading supplier but also as an increasingly significant player on the international stage.
