Morocco has become Africa’s top avocado exporter, outpacing Kenya by almost doubling its shipments in a single year while targeting markets in the US and UK.
Morocco’s avocado exports jumped from 73,848 tonnes in 2024 to 141,046 tonnes in 2025, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, securing its spot as Africa’s top supplier. Meanwhile, Kenya’s shipments dropped 19% over the same period, falling from 129,706 tonnes to 105,164 tonnes.
Morocco’s Agriculture Ministry data, published in April 2025, shows a 40% increase in harvested avocado area between 2022 and 2024, highlighting the country’s aggressive expansion into high-value horticulture. About 90% of exports during the first nine months of 2025 went to European Union markets.
The FAO attributed Kenya’s decline, as well as broader export setbacks across sub-Saharan Africa, to logistical disruptions caused by the Red Sea crisis. Attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels forced shipping lines to avoid the Suez Canal, nearly doubling transit times to Europe and driving up shipping costs.
Morocco’s growth has also been aided by favourable weather during the growing season, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. However, concerns persist over the sustainability of irrigation-dependent, off-season production amid prolonged drought.
In January, Water Minister Nizar Baraka announced the end of a seven-year dry spell following heavy winter rainfall, but climate experts caution that erratic storms and floods signal increasing extremes rather than lasting relief.
With Europe still absorbing most shipments, Morocco’s next challenge will be gaining a foothold in premium markets in North America and the United Kingdom.