The Namibia Agronomy Board (NAB) sees substantial potential for growth in avocado production and exports, driven by rising local demand.

A 2022 NAB study indicates that Namibia’s avocado industry is still in its early stages. 

While official records on local avocado production are lacking, the study identified around 201 avocado trees, mainly in the Kavango and Karst regions. 

The climate and water resources in the 067 area and further north could assist in positioning it as a leading region for avocado cultivation.

Between the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years,  avocado consumption in Namibia rose from 756.9 tons to 889.5 tons, highlighting the  fruit’s increasing popularity among consumers. 

However, local production remains minimal, contributing less than one ton annually. Currently, Namibia also imports over 1,200 avocado seedlings annually.

Agribank’s technical advisor for crops and poultry, Hanks Saisai, recently emphasized the untap-ped potential in Namibia's fruit-growing sector.

“As a net importer of fruits, the country has ample oppor-tunities for farmers to explore, especially in the north-central and north-east regions. 

These areas offer ideal conditions for cultivating high-value fruits like oranges, mangoes, naartjies, lemons, guavas, papayas, and avocados, as the climate are favorable.

Trade Dynamics

Namibia's avocado market heavily depends on imports, with South Africa being the sole supplier. 

In the 2021/22 financial year, Namibia imported 756 tons of avocados worth N$14.5 million, increasing to 889 tons valued at N$16.4 million in 2022/23. 

This growth in both quantity and value reflects the rising demand for avocados within the country.

As global interest in avocados continues to soar due to their health benefits and culinary versatility, Namibia's involvement in this burgeoning imported 756 tons of avocados worth N$14.5 million, increasing to 889 tons valued at N$16.4 million in 2022/23. This growth in both quantity and value reflects the rising demand for avocados within the country.

As global interest in avocados continues to soar due to their health benefits and culinary versatility, Namibia's involvement in this burgeoning market presents an intriguing opportunity. Despite rising consumption, domestic avocado production remains limited.

Price Trends

Over the past two years, avocado prices have shown variability. The average import price was N$11.93 per kilogram in the 2021/22 financial year, decreasing to N$9.79 per kilogram in 2022/23. 

This decline suggests shifts in global market conditions and supply availability.

The avocado import market in Namibia is dominated by South Africa. 

In 2020, avocados from South Africa accounted for about 98% of the total imports. The other key avocado exporter to Namibia is Botswana. Other importers, like Kenya, plays a minor role.

According to a report by Freshela, Namibia is one of the top importers of avocados in Southern Africa. 

Especially over the last 10 years, the country has been demanding more avocados, signalling a new trend among consumers.