CBI releases avocado export guide to boost Ethiopia’s sea freight trade

ETHIOPIA – The Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) has launched its ‘Export Guide for Avocado Via Sea Freight’ at Haile Grand Hotel in Addis Ababa, a move intended to support Ethiopian farms and businesses in accessing international avocado markets more effectively.

Anne-Marie Roorda, Program Manager at CBI, handed over the guide to Mr. Tewodros Zewdie, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Horticulture Producers and Exporters Association (EHPEA).

“This guide will provide practical steps for local exporters to manage shipments efficiently and meet global standards,” Roorda said during the handover.

Ethiopia is taking major steps to move avocado exports from costly air freight to more cost-effective and sustainable sea transport. The initiative is led by the Ethiopian Agriculture Authority and EHPEA, in collaboration with the Netherlands’ Development Partnership and the To SEA project.

Milco Rikken, CBI’s business export coach, highlighted the role of sea freight in the transition. “Sea transport allows exporters to scale operations while maintaining fruit quality. Our next step involves test shipments to Europe and Gulf markets to refine logistics and ensure compliance with maritime requirements,” he said.

These trial shipments will offer learning opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, helping them develop reliable and consistent export routes. The guide also sets standards for procedures, quality control, and documentation, supporting companies in overcoming operational gaps.

Infrastructure and market readiness

The upcoming Mojo Cool Port, now under construction, is expected to become a critical cold-chain hub for temperature-sensitive exports once it opens within the next two years. This facility will enhance Ethiopia’s ability to deliver fresh avocados to international markets at the required quality.

However, challenges remain. Limited export performance and skill gaps among local exporters are still hurdles, while compliance with international standards such as Global GAP remains a requirement for accessing major markets.

Despite these challenges, the To SEA project, running through 2026, has already enabled several companies to complete their first exports, primarily to the Middle East, signaling growing readiness within the sector.

“Our goal is to support exporters in scaling sustainably and meeting market expectations,” Rikken added. “With the guide and the new infrastructure, Ethiopian companies have a clearer path to successful sea-based exports.”

As Ethiopia strengthens its position in the global avocado trade, the combination of the export guide, pilot shipments, and new port infrastructure marks a significant step toward more competitive and sustainable horticulture exports.

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