Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – Data and reports continue to shed light on Morocco’s avocado production growth despite pledges to tackle factors contributing to water scarcity and stress.
The African Exponent listed the top 10 avocado producers in Africa, ranking Morocco as the third largest supplier on the continent.
Citing statistics for 2023, the report said Morocco produced at least 118,666 tons of avocados.
“The following season, a breakout year, Morocco exceeded 10,000 tons, accompanied by a leap in export revenues reaching approximately $179 million,” the African Exponent said.
Recalling improvement in yield and export targets, the same source highlighted a “significant expansion of avocado plantation” in Morocco.
The latest report suggests that the number of expansions is reflected by a threefold increase, moving from 4,0000 hectares in 2018 to 12,000 hectares by the previous season.
Morocco’s export markets include Spain, France, and the Netherlands.
The report acknowledged challenges that the avocado sector faces, including environmental concerns like drought and water shortages.
Kenya is the first avocado producer in Africa, with approximately 542,278 tons in the 2023-2024 season.
“Globally, Kenya ranks sixth, trailing giants like Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Indonesia,” The African Exponent wrote.
Ethiopia comes second, producing 167,557 tons of avocados in 2023.
The fourth largest supplier in Africa is South Africa with 108,880 tons, while Malawi comes fifth with 94,334 tons.
Among the top 10 suppliers are Zimbabwe (6th), Cameroon(7th), Democratic Republic of Congo (8th), Angola (9th), and Madagascar (10th).
Ongoing concerns
It is far from clear that the challenges of water stress are being addressed. Morocco has been pledging bold measures to tackle recurring droughts, which have been hitting the North African country for more than six seasons.
Morocco has taken several measures to tackle the situation, including the cancellation of the Eid al-Adha sacrifice ritual as well as a ban on the slaughter of female sheep and goats to help increase the livestock population. Among other measures is the launch of nationwide campaigns promoting the rational use of water.
In August, official statistics show that Morocco’s dams experienced a sharp drop in water levels during the 2025 summer season, reaching just 34.22% of its capacity.
Yet, statistics on avocado farming show that the sector continues to expand and maintain momentum.
In June, new statistics from EastFruit said Morocco crossed the 100,000-ton mark in avocado exports.
In a recent interview with Morocco World News (MWN), Parliament Member Fatima Tamni said, “the government is not fulfilling its role; it has not reduced exports or decreased the quantities of crops grown, all of which deplete water resources.”
She said the government has “not considered reducing the vegetables and fruits directed for export.”
