Arabfields, Maleeka Kassou, East, West and Central Africa Agriculture Correspondent — Zimbabwe is rapidly emerging as one of Africa’s most promising blueberry exporters, as rising international demand for premium fresh fruit encourages investment in commercial farming, technology and export infrastructure.

The country’s blueberry industry, which began commercial exports in 2017, has expanded from a relatively small agricultural experiment into an increasingly important source of foreign currency. The sector is also contributing to a wider transformation of Zimbabwean agriculture, as producers move towards higher-value crops designed for international markets.

Export revenues from Zimbabwe’s berry industry increased from approximately $11 million in 2020 to $50.1 million in 2024, a rise of about 351%. Export volumes also climbed from around 2,503 tonnes to 6,240 tonnes during the same period.

Growth has continued. Zimbabwe exported approximately 9,500 tonnes of blueberries in 2025, with production spread across an estimated 650 hectares. For 2026, industry projections point to an expansion of cultivated land to approximately 850 hectares and export volumes of around 12,000 tonnes.

The expansion reflects growing confidence among agricultural investors in a crop that offers significantly higher export value per hectare than many traditional commodities.

For farmers and agricultural workers, the development is creating opportunities across planting, harvesting, sorting, packaging and transportation. Blueberry production requires careful handling, as fruit quality and freshness are essential to meeting the expectations of international buyers.

The country’s natural conditions have also contributed to the industry’s development. Higher-altitude growing areas, favourable temperatures and a relatively long production window allow Zimbabwe to supply international markets during periods when production in parts of the Northern Hemisphere is limited.

Europe remains a major destination for Zimbabwean blueberries, particularly Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. The United Kingdom, the Middle East and Asian markets also offer opportunities for further expansion.

Access to China represents another potential turning point. Zimbabwe secured a phytosanitary agreement in 2025 allowing its blueberries to enter the Chinese market. This provides producers with an opportunity to diversify their customer base and reach one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

The broader horticultural sector is also gaining momentum. Zimbabwe’s horticultural exports increased from $59.8 million in 2024 to $181.7 million in 2025, with blueberries identified as a major contributor to the expansion.

However, the rapid growth is creating new challenges. Blueberry production requires substantial initial investment in irrigation systems, specialised plants, fertilisers, protective infrastructure and modern packing facilities. Reliable refrigerated transportation is equally important because delays can affect the quality and commercial value of fresh fruit.

Access to financing remains one of the industry’s biggest obstacles. Establishing commercial blueberry farms can cost tens of thousands of dollars per hectare, while short-term and expensive loans are poorly suited to perennial agricultural investments that require several years to generate sustainable returns.

Industry representatives have therefore called for improved access to long-term financing and stronger incentives to encourage investment in horticulture.

The next stage of Zimbabwe’s development will depend on whether the country can move beyond exporting fresh fruit and build a more integrated agricultural industry. Investments in cold storage, refrigerated transport, processing facilities, fruit concentrates, juices and dried products could create additional sources of revenue.

There is also an opportunity to involve more small-scale farmers in the export economy. Contract farming, technical assistance and shared packing facilities could help smaller producers overcome the financial and logistical barriers that currently favour larger commercial operations.

Looking ahead, Zimbabwe’s blueberry exports could approach or exceed the projected 12,000-tonne level in 2026 if the expansion of planted areas is matched by adequate infrastructure, financing and access to overseas buyers. Continued access to China and stronger demand from European markets could provide additional support.

Nevertheless, rising production will also expose growers to greater competition from established exporters, including South Africa and Morocco. Maintaining consistent quality, controlling logistics costs and securing competitive prices will therefore be essential.

Zimbabwe’s experience offers a wider lesson for African agriculture. The continent’s competitive advantage may increasingly lie not only in the volume of commodities it produces, but also in its ability to supply specialised, high-value food products to international consumers.

For the farmers, workers and businesses involved, the blueberry industry represents more than a new export crop. It offers an opportunity to create jobs, attract investment and strengthen the role of agriculture in Zimbabwe’s economic recovery.