Specifically, Morocco was Africa’s third-largest avocado producer in 2024, with output of 118,666 tonnes and exports reaching 100,000 tonnes. However, production for 2025–26 could fall by up to 30% due to heat and lack of water resources. The estimated potential may be around 80,000 tonnes.
The planted area has tripled, from 4,000 hectares in 2018 to 12,000 hectares in the most recent season.
The water problem
Despite the growth in Moroccan production, concern over water availability remains the sector’s main challenge.
Official figures show that dam levels dropped to 34.22% of their capacity in August 2025. Morocco has taken measures in response to drought, such as cancelling the ritual sacrifice of Eid al-Adha, banning the slaughter of female sheep and goats, and launching national campaigns to promote rational water use.
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The country is questioning the sustainability of current production levels. MP Fatima Tamni stated in an interview with Morocco World News that “the government is not fulfilling its role; it has not reduced exports nor decreased crop volumes, all of which exhaust water resources”, also referring to other fruits and vegetables destined for export.
Key export destinations for Moroccan avocados include Spain, France and the Netherlands.
Across the African continent, Kenya remains the largest avocado producer with around 542,278 tonnes in the 2023–2024 season. Ethiopia follows with 167,557 tonnes, while South Africa ranks fourth with 108,880 tonnes, and Malawi fifth with 94,334 tonnes. Completing the top ten are Zimbabwe, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and Madagascar.
