Nigeria is positioning itself to break into the multi-billion-dollar global avocado trade through a strategic partnership with Kenya, Africa’s leading exporter of the fruit.
The collaboration, announced by the Avocado Society of Nigeria (ASN), comes as the global avocado market is projected to reach $23.29 billion by 2029 and $26.71 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.76 percent.
The deal is expected to transform Nigeria’s underdeveloped avocado industry from a local consumer market into a competitive international player, with stakeholders eyeing new opportunities in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Ambassador Adeniyi Sola-Bunmi, President of the Avocado Society of Nigeria (ASN), described the collaboration as a turning point.
He explained that Kenya’s success in building a thriving export economy for avocados serves as a blueprint for Nigeria’s entry into the market.
“Kenya has firmly established itself as Africa’s leading avocado exporter and the world’s sixth-largest producer.
By 2021, Kenya’s avocado output hit 417,000 metric tonnes, doubling over just five years,” Sola-Bunmi said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s avocado sector has remained largely untapped due to misconceptions about the fruit’s gestation period and the absence of large-scale investments.
“Many Nigerian farmers believe avocado trees take too long to mature, discouraging commercial cultivation.
In reality, with improved Hass avocado seedlings, farmers can begin harvesting in as little as three years,” he added.
A key component of the partnership is the introduction of Hass avocados, a variety that thrives in tropical climates and is highly sought after in international markets for its creamy texture and long shelf life.
According to Sola-Bunmi, the Hass variety alone has the potential to generate over ₦12 billion annually for Nigeria’s economy.
Currently, about 30 to 35 hectares of Hass avocado farms have already been established in Nigeria, with more expected in states like Ogun, Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Delta, Cross River, Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Oyo.
The ASN has also set up a demonstration farm and international nursery center in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to produce seedlings that meet international export standards, including the required fumigation and cold treatment protocols for pest control.
One of the goals of the initiative is to integrate smallholder farmers into the avocado value chain. Following the Kenyan model, Nigerian farmers will be encouraged to start small—planting even three to five trees on their land.
This approach, Sola-Bunmi explained, allows for gradual scaling and wider participation, which has proven effective in Kenya’s rural communities.
The society is also working with Nigerian universities to expand research and training for avocado farmers, ensuring they are equipped with modern cultivation and post-harvest techniques.
The European Union remains the largest importer of avocados, with countries like the Netherlands, Spain, France, Germany, and the UK serving as key markets.
Demand is also surging in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as well as in Russia and parts of Asia.
Analysts note that as global health and wellness trends continue to favor nutrient-rich foods, avocados—often referred to as “green gold”—are becoming increasingly popular.
Rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and fiber, avocados are now a staple in diets worldwide.
Nigeria’s participation in the recent 5th International Africa Avocado Congress in Nairobi marked a significant milestone.
The event provided a platform for Nigerian stakeholders to network with global industry leaders and solidify collaborations with Kenya.
“The congress gave us the opportunity to present Nigeria as an emerging player in the avocado market.
We are not just joining the race; we are preparing to compete at the highest level,” Sola-Bunmi noted.
Beyond the export potential, the expansion of avocado farming in Nigeria is expected to improve food security, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s economic diversification agenda.
With oil revenues under pressure, agribusiness sectors like avocado farming are being prioritized for foreign exchange generation.
Sola-Bunmi emphasized that continuous sensitization, training, and advocacy remain critical.
“The major thing Nigeria needs to understand is the nutritional and economic benefits of avocados. If embraced widely, this sector could move us into the top 10 avocado producers in Africa within a few years,” he said.
The Nigeria-Kenya avocado partnership represents more than just agricultural cooperation; it signals a new economic frontier for Nigeria.
With global demand rising and the market valued in billions of dollars, stakeholders believe Nigeria has the resources, climate, and workforce to become a key player.
If sustained, this initiative could position Nigeria as one of Africa’s future avocado export giants, transforming “green gold” into a vital contributor to the nation’s growth.
