Nigeria is boldly positioning itself in the booming global avocado industry through a new strategic partnership with Kenya, Africa’s leading avocado exporter.
The collaboration, announced by the Avocado Society of Nigeria (ASN), is to empower Nigerian farmers, boost avocado production, and tap into an international market projected to reach $26.71 billion by 2030.
Ambassador Adeniyi Sola-Bunmi, President of the ASN, described the initiative as a “game-changer” for Nigeria’s underdeveloped avocado sector, which has largely focused on local consumption despite its immense agricultural potential.
Kenya, the world’s sixth-largest avocado producer, harvested 417,000 metric tonnes in 2021, more than double its production five years ago.
Nigeria hopes to scale from smallholder avocado farms to commercial export-grade production by adopting Kenya’s proven farming model.
Currently, most Nigerian avocado farmers cultivate less than two hectares, discouraged by the belief that the crop requires long gestation periods.
To address this, ASN and its Kenyan partners are introducing the high-yielding Hass variety, which matures in three years and commands premium prices in global markets.
Sola-Bunmi projected that Hass avocados alone could generate over ₦12 billion annually for Nigeria’s economy, while creating new income streams for smallholder farmers.
“The Kenya model encourages farmers to start small—three to five trees—and build from there. If adopted, this can be transformational for Nigeria,” he said.
Beyond seedlings, ASN is investing in infrastructure to ensure Nigerian avocados meet international export standards. Demonstration farms and an international nursery centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, are already producing certified seedlings and training farmers.
The society is also establishing large commercial Hass farms across states, including Imo, Ogun, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Cross River, and Oyo. These farms will be supported by training programs, capacity building, and advocacy on avocados’ nutritional and economic value.
According to RaboResearch, the global avocado market is valued at more than $20 billion and continues to expand as demand rises across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Nigeria’s main potential export destinations include the European Union, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Russia.
Participation in the 5th International Africa Avocado Congress in Nairobi further cemented Nigeria’s partnership with Kenya and positioned the country as an emerging player in the trade of what is often called “green gold.”
Sola-Bunmi expressed optimism that Nigeria could soon rank among Africa’s top 10 avocado producers with the right policies, infrastructure, and farmer participation.
Source: TheNation
