Uganda set to expand avocado exports with new roadmap

UGANDA – Uganda is moving closer to becoming a key player in the global avocado trade after confirming its three-year national avocado sector roadmap.

A validation meeting in Kampala brought together government officials, farmers, exporters, and international partners to fine-tune the plan and set it into motion.

The roadmap is the result of months of discussions led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), with support from the International Trade Centre under the EU-funded EU-EAC Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II).

Its main focus is to organize the sector, improve quality, and open more export markets for Uganda’s Hass avocados.

“This roadmap is not just a document. It’s a clear action plan. We want Ugandan avocados to compete globally,” said Fredrick Bwino Kyakulaga, Minister of State for Agriculture.

Public-private platform to drive action

One of the key elements in the plan is the creation of a public-private coordination platform. MAAIF will host the platform while private sector players will support the secretariat.

The group is expected to meet soon to choose a chairperson, agree on a work plan, and decide how to measure progress. A draft budget is already in the works, and the ministry has invited expressions of interest to staff the secretariat.

The roadmap outlines efforts to increase access to certified Hass avocado seedlings at lower prices, train farmers on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and connect large commercial farms with cooperatives in a hub-and-spoke model.

These hubs will act as training centers and places where farmers can access inputs and sell produce in bulk.

In addition, Uganda plans to form an export consortium that will help its producers meet international standards, promote the fruit in new markets, and speak with one voice in trade discussions.

Plans are also underway to invest in packaging solutions and cold storage facilities to support fresh exports. Discussions are ongoing about setting up an avocado oil refinery and turning seed and pulp waste into animal feed.

Sector growth already underway

Uganda exported 7.29 million kilograms of avocados in 2023, worth over $5.1 million. Key buyers included Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. Exports to Kenya, mostly for re-export, made up more than half the volume.

“The figures are encouraging, but we can do more. With better coordination, Uganda can increase both the volume and value of avocado exports,” said Judith Nansubuga, an exporter based in Mukono.

MARKUP II supports efforts like Uganda’s avocado plan across the East African Community. The program helps small businesses grow through trade, targeting barriers, improving product quality, and connecting producers to buyers in Africa and the EU.

With this roadmap in place, Uganda is now better positioned to support farmers, grow its export income, and create jobs in a sector that is gaining international attention.

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