Chinese investors set sight on Zimbabwe’s avocado, macadamia exports

ZIMBABWE – Eight Chinese companies are considering investing in Zimbabwe’s avocado and macadamia sectors after government-to-government talks revived interest in agricultural trade between the two countries.

The visit, led by the Guangxi Asia-Europe and Africa Joint Trade and Investment Promotion Association, comes after Zimbabwe and China signed a protocol on avocados during the 2024 Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The Chinese delegation toured farms in Chipinge to assess the potential for both production and value addition in these high-demand crops.

According to Mrs Linda Zhaofeng, Executive President of the Guangxi trade association, there is a high demand for macadamia nuts in China. She said working with ZimTrade could help Zimbabwe increase its exports to China.

“There are so many buyers interested in macadamia, but we need to have huge quantities as China is a big market. There are big buyers in China not only for nuts but for fruits and other cultural crops.”

She added that China could assist Zimbabwe in accessing equipment and machinery to help with local processing and packaging.

Zimbabwe has been looking for ways to grow its exports, and China, already the country’s third-largest trading partner, presents a major opportunity. The visit by the Chinese delegation is expected to create business links that will support Zimbabwe’s export targets.

“This engagement is a follow-up to our participation at FOCAC in 2024 where President Mnangagwa was the head of delegation where the protocol on avocados was signed in China,” said Mr Similo Nkala, Director of Operations at ZimTrade.

“We have invited eight buyers from China to come and have an engagement with avocado and macadamia farmers here.”

Mr Nkala added that such collaborations are key in helping the country reach its goal of US$14 billion in export earnings by 2030.

Demand for African produce on the rise

Across the continent, exports of agricultural goods to China have grown. African countries have seen increased demand for products like sesame, cashew nuts, dried chili peppers, and especially avocados.

Kenya saw a sharp jump in avocado exports to China in 2023, with volumes rising nearly tenfold compared to the year before.

However, those exports dropped by 80% in early 2024, largely due to logistics issues. Shipping delays have stretched delivery times from about 25 days to as long as 50, affecting freshness and quality.

Meanwhile, Tanzania began exporting fresh avocados to China in late 2024 after finalising a phytosanitary agreement in 2022. The country’s first shipment of 24 metric tonnes was valued at US$18,500 and passed all inspections at Chinese ports. Tanzania exported 26,826 metric tonnes of avocados in 2023, earning more than US$73 million.

As Zimbabwe deepens ties with China, the interest from buyers and potential equipment deals may help Zimbabwean farmers improve output and meet global standards.

With the growing Chinese market looking to Africa for fresh produce, countries like Zimbabwe are positioning themselves to benefit from this shift.

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