Weekly shipments of avocado have grown from 2-3 tonnes in 2021 to 15-20 tonnes in 2023/24
Strong international demand for avocados helped lift the value of Rwandan fruit exports by 61 per cent in 2023/24.
Figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources – reported in The New Times – shows that the country exported US$30.6mn of fruit, up from US$19mn in the previous year. Export volume grew 58 per cent to 34,700 tonnes. Key markets include the DR Congo, UAE and Vietnam.
Sada Gakuru, Managing Director of Kigali-based exporter S&I Fresh Ltd, said avocado exports had risen from 2-3 tonnes per week in 2021 to 15-20 tonnes in 2023/24, thanks to strong international demand.
As well as avocados, Rwanda exports macadamia nuts, passion fruit and strawberries, along with a variety of processed products such as juices.
Jean Bosco Mulindi, director of the Emerging Commodities Division at the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB), said the government has implemented a range of policies to help farmers expand their production area and open new export markets.
The government’s commitment to developing Rwanda’s export business includes providing support to farmers to modernise agricultural practices, create large-scale farms, and improve post-harvest handling and transportation facilities.
