Ethiopia is embarking on a major transformation in its horticulture sector by shifting avocado exports from costly air freight to more sustainable and high-volume sea freight. This strategic move is spearheaded by the Ethiopian Agriculture Authority (EAA) and the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association (EHPEA), in partnership with the Netherlands’ Development Partnership, the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), and the Transitioning Ethiopian Horticulture to a Sustainable Export Alternative (To SEA) project.
A key milestone in this initiative is the release of the Avocado Export Guide, a tool designed to standardize export processes and help domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adapt to global maritime freight systems.
Milco Rikken, CBI’s business export coach for fresh fruits and vegetables and owner of ProVerde BV, emphasized that transitioning to sea freight is the project’s central goal. “Our approach involves working with companies to develop crops suited for maritime transport markets,” Rikken said. The project’s next phase involves organizing test sea shipments to Europe and Gulf markets, likely in the coming year, to refine procedures and implement the new export guidelines.
“These test shipments are learning opportunities,” Rikken noted. “They help identify areas for improvement so we can establish sustainable sea export routes, eventually shipping the bulk of products by sea containers.”
Beyond cost efficiency, the shift to sea freight responds to increasing sustainability demands in key export markets. A vital component of this strategy is the upcoming Mojo Cool port, under construction at Ethiopia’s main inland port, which will serve as a cold chain logistics hub crucial for handling temperature-sensitive sea freight. Rikken expressed optimism about the port’s potential: “Although construction is ongoing, we expect it to open within a year or two, providing foundational support for growing Ethiopia’s avocado exports.”
Despite these advances, the sector still faces significant challenges. Tewodros Zewdie, EHPEA president, pointed out that Ethiopia’s avocado export performance remains low compared to regional competitors, underscoring the need for continued capacity building. The newly launched Avocado Export Guide aims to strengthen stakeholder understanding of export processes and improve coordination among port operators.
To build a thriving horticulture export industry that alleviates rural poverty, EHPEA is committed to deepening its partnership with the CBI. Milco Rikken also identified a skill gap among local exporters, stressing the importance of mastering fast, accurate communication and incorporating customer feedback into farm operations. “You must start exporting to learn exporting,” he said, highlighting the need for resilience and continuous improvement.
Compliance with international standards remains a critical hurdle. Rikken underscored that Global GAP certification is mandatory for accessing the European market, without which companies remain confined to niche segments.
The To SEA project, extending through 2026, has already enabled several companies to achieve their first exports this year, primarily to the Middle East, reflecting improved export readiness.
