This volume represents a 16.7% increase compared with the 368,845 tonnes recorded in 2024.
Contrasting performances across countries
At continental level, performance remains uneven. Morocco, Kenya and South Africa together accounted for more than 75% of African avocado exports, but their individual results differed sharply.
Morocco becomes Africa’s leading avocado exporter
In 2025, Morocco emerged as Africa’s leading avocado exporter after increasing shipments by 90% year-on-year to reach 141,000 tonnes. For the first time, the country overtook both Kenya and South Africa.
According to the FAO, this growth was partly driven by improved domestic production conditions. In May 2025, the Moroccan Avocado Association reported that favorable weather conditions supported production in the main growing areas during the 2024–2025 season.
Structural investments delivering results
The growth in Moroccan exports also reflects investments made in recent years. The FAO report notes that data provided by Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests in April 2025 showed a 40% increase in harvested area between 2022 and 2024, alongside a 17% rise in production and a 34% increase in exports.
Kenya constrained by logistical challenges
Kenya, previously Africa’s leading exporter, fell to second place after recording a 19% decline in exports, estimated at 105,164 tonnes. The FAO attributes this drop mainly to logistical constraints linked to disruptions in the Red Sea, a key maritime route for shipments to Europe, Kenya’s main export market.
According to the report, export potential was limited by nearly doubled transit times to Europe, a direct consequence of the Red Sea crisis and sharply rising freight costs. In 2025, many shipping lines avoided the Suez Canal due to heightened security risks, extending delivery times and increasing transport costs.
South Africa also affected
Ranked third among African exporters, South Africa faced similar challenges. The country’s avocado exports declined by 6% year-on-year to reach 80,423 tonnes, according to FAO estimates, again due to disruptions affecting maritime routes via the Red Sea.
A favorable global market dynamic
At global level, the growth in African exports is part of a broader upward trend. The FAO estimates that global avocado exports increased by 13% in 2025, reaching approximately 3.3 million tonnes.