Rwanda’s move to finalize a protocol allowing avocado exports to China is a key development for the growing horticulture sector. For local farmers and exporters, this is about stepping into one of the world’s largest and most dynamic consumer economies. China’s appetite for fresh produce, especially premium fruits like avocados, has surged in recent years, driven by a fast-growing middle class with evolving dietary preferences. For Rwandan exporters, access to such a market could mean consistent demand, better prices, and opportunities for long-term trade partnerships. As Robert Rukundo of the Horticulture Exporters Association noted, China could quickly become one of the biggest destinations for Rwandan avocados, a vital shift for an export sector that has so far relied heavily on Dubai and parts of Europe. The numbers tell a compelling story. In a decade, avocado export revenues have risen from just $440,000 in 2013 to $6.3 million in 2023. With government plans to increase exports tenfold to 31,000 tonnes by 2029, tapping into markets like China and India is essential. The proposed expansion will also support ongoing investments in processing, such as avocado oil production, which adds value locally and creates jobs. However, market access alone is not enough. As farmers like Theogene Twahirwa have rightly pointed out, competitiveness will depend on affordable financing, quality seeds, and stronger coordination between farmers, exporters, and government institutions. Most importantly, this development underscores the importance of diversification. In a world where market shocks and price fluctuations are common, relying on a few export destinations is risky. The Chinese market offers a valuable buffer, ensuring Rwandan exporters are not at the mercy of volatile prices elsewhere. With strategic investment and diversification, Rwanda’s “green gold” could soon find a lasting place on Chinese tables, strengthening rural livelihoods and deepening global trade ties.
