Nigeria targets top 10 in Africa’s avocado market

Nigeria is partnering with Kenya to expand its presence in the fast-growing global avocado market, which is expected to reach $23.29 billion by 2029 and $26.71 billion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 5.76%.

Analysts say the market’s expansion is driven by increased production and new exporting countries.

Kenya, a major player in the avocado industry, currently exports to the European Union, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Russia.

The Avocado Society of Nigeria (ASN) President, Ambassador Adeniyi Sola-Bunmi, said the partnership is a critical step to empower Nigerian farmers and help the country benefit from avocado trade, often referred to as “green gold.”

Currently, Nigeria’s avocado sector is mostly focused on local consumption and dominated by small-scale farmers. One challenge is the misconception that avocado trees take a long time to bear fruit, which discourages investment.

To address this, the ASN plans to introduce Hass avocado seedlings to Nigeria.

The Hass variety is suitable for Nigeria’s tropical climate and can start producing fruit in as little as three years. Sola-Bunmi estimates that Hass avocados alone could generate over N12 billion annually for the Nigerian economy.

“Many farmers have started growing Hass avocados because of their higher yields and better prices.

We currently have around 30–35 hectares under production, and we are working with universities to expand further,” he said. “The Kenya model, where farmers start small, works well and can be transformational for Nigeria.”

ASN is also creating infrastructure for export-quality avocado production, including large commercial farms across Imo, Ogun, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Cross Rivers, and Oyo states. A demonstration farm and international nursery in Abeokuta, Ogun State, will produce seedlings that meet global standards.

The 5th International Africa Avocado Congress in Nairobi, Kenya, helped ASN strengthen its partnership with Kenya and provided a platform to network with key industry players.

Sola-Bunmi believes the collaboration positions Nigeria to become a major player in the global avocado market.