Sugar production remains a staple of Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy

Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector is seeing remarkable growth in 2025, with both sugar production and horticultural exports pushing the industry forward

According to IH Securities' 2025 Agriculture Sector Report, the country’s agricultural output is now on track to exceed the US$13.75bn mark by the end of the year, following the impressive US$8.2bn milestone in 2021.

Key drivers of this expansion include improved rainfall, significant government investment in infrastructure like dams, and a renewed focus on high-value crops such as horticulture. This revival is expected to bolster the economy and enhance food security, especially after a challenging 2024 marked by the El Niño-induced drought.

Sugar production remains a staple of Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy. Major producers, including Hippo Valley and Triangle, surpassed national requirements with over 440,000 tonnes in the 2024/25 season. Exports also soared, with Hippo Valley’s sugar shipments increasing by 364%, reaching 15,711 tonnes in just the first quarter. However, local consumption is under pressure, with high costs due to a 30% surtax on imports and a recently adjusted sugar tax. “The recently imposed 30 percent surtax on imports has helped local processors remain competitive, though major off-takers battle with additional costs,” explained IH Securities.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s horticulture sector is on an upward trajectory, led by avocados and blueberries. Avocado production jumped by 164% from 2017 to 2024, establishing Zimbabwe as Africa’s fifth-largest producer. With global demand rising, exports of blueberries have surged by 351% from 2020 to 2024, reaching about US$50mn. The sector’s growth is further supported by initiatives like the Horticultural Enterprise Enhancement Project (HEEP), which aims to inject US$66.5mn into smallholder farming.

Looking ahead, Zimbabwe’s horticultural exports are expected to hit US$2bn by 2030, with demand for products like blueberries, avocados, and sugar peas driving this growth.

As the country diversifies its agricultural exports, the sector is poised to overcome domestic challenges and secure new streams of revenue, fortifying Zimbabwe’s economic future.

The goal is to increase food security, strengthen market access, and reduce post-harvest losses for farmers.

In a groundbreaking initiative, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in partnership with the Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB), local cooperatives, private sector actors, and organisations like IDH, has launched the pilot phase of the Food and Agriculture Resilience Mission Pillar 3 (FARM P3)

This innovative project targets improving the maize and soybean value chains, benefiting up to 4,000 smallholder farmers in Rwanda's Kayonza District.

With a budget of US$1.23mn, FARM P3 is part of a wider effort, complementing the IFAD-funded Kayonza Irrigation and Integrated Watershed Management Project Phase II, which aims to support 40,000 rural households. The goal is to increase food security, strengthen market access, and reduce post-harvest losses for farmers, thus enhancing their livelihoods.

"Through FARM P3, cooperatives, SMEs, and banks will work together to foster sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships," said Dagmawi Habte-Selassie, IFAD Country Director. The initiative is designed not only to train farmers and provide essential equipment but also to create lasting business relationships, allowing smallholders to sell more, reduce waste, and boost their incomes.

A core objective of the pilot project is to address post-harvest maize losses, which currently stand at 13.8%. By introducing drying shelters for cooperatives and expanding access to mobile mechanical dryers for SMEs, FARM P3 will help farmers lower grain moisture, meet quality standards, and command better prices from buyers. This improvement will also lower sourcing risks for companies and establish stronger, long-term partnerships with local producers.

"FARM P3 will contribute to advancing PSTA 5 priorities by fostering resilient, inclusive, and market-driven value chains," said Solange Uwituze, Acting Director General of RAB.

In addition to maize, the initiative is laying the groundwork for a commercial soybean market to meet growing private-sector demand. Through inclusive business analysis, demonstration plots, and joint training efforts, the programme is setting the stage for sustainable, profitable soybean farming.

"With Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and clear market links, soybean can increase smallholder incomes by 2.3 times over five years," explained Wangari Nduta, Project Manager, Business Analytics at IDH.

FARM P3 is a key part of a broader global initiative to strengthen food systems, helping smallholder farmers across Africa gain better access to markets and investment opportunities. By reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing market linkages, this initiative is poised to drive transformative change in Rwanda’s agriculture sector.

Morocco’s olive oil sector is on the brink of a transformation.

Morocco’s olive oil industry is gearing up for a breakthrough year, with production expected to more than double by 2025

After a difficult 2024 season that saw output capped at around 90,000 tonnes, producers are now forecasting 200,000 tonnes of olive oil—thanks to improved growing conditions and a stronger harvest outlook.

Behind this optimism is a projected olive yield of around 2 million tonnes, compared to just under 1 million tonnes the previous year. For many growers, the shift comes down to better weather. Cooler temperatures during flowering and fewer heatwaves have helped restore the balance needed for healthy olive development. Producers in Marrakech, including the Zaouia Cooperative, say these conditions have allowed trees to bloom more evenly and recover from earlier climate stresses that had impacted both quality and volume.

Domestic demand remains strong, with annual consumption nearing 140,000 tonnes. This means Morocco could have a surplus of around 60,000 tonnes for export next year—a valuable opportunity as global olive oil markets tighten and prices continue to rise.

The country is also becoming more competitive internationally. In August 2025, revised US import tariffs gave Morocco and Argentina a 10% duty rate, while countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, and Portugal were hit with higher rates of 15% or more. Tunisia and Turkey face even steeper import barriers, giving Moroccan producers a chance to level the playing field against dominant European suppliers.

In 2024, Morocco’s olive oil exports to the US were relatively small—just 3,835 tonnes, worth around US$38mn. That’s just 1.2% of the total US import market, which reached over US$3.3bn. But as global dynamics shift, and with a growing emphasis on quality and traceability, Morocco is positioning itself to be a more prominent player.

With improved yields, a favourable trade environment, and rising consumer interest in premium oils, Morocco’s olive oil sector is on the brink of a transformation. The next harvest season could mark a significant step forward—not just in volume, but in global visibility and long-term industry growth.

The funding aims to boost food security, improve productivity, and help farmers.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has committed over N$28mn to support small-scale farmers across Namibia

The funding aims to boost food security, improve productivity, and help farmers adapt to climate change by targeting key agricultural value chains.

According to Simon Nghipandulwa, ministry spokesperson  the initiatives span all 14 regions and include support for horticulture, poultry, dairy, and small-stock farming. Speaking during an oversight tour of the ministry’s programmes, he highlighted that the goal is to uplift small-scale producers through targeted subsidies, technical support, and training.

One major initiative is the Horticulture Support and Value Chain Development Programme, which is expected to benefit around 1,000 producers. Farmers under this scheme will receive significant subsidies: 50% for seeds, 60% for fertilisers, 50% for pesticides and herbicides, and 65% for irrigation equipment and shade nets. Subsidised tillage services are also available at N$500 per hectare. “To qualify, beneficiaries must be Namibian citizens with verified production capabilities, reliable water sources, and concrete production and marketing plans,” said Nghipandulwa.

The Poultry Value Chain Development Scheme, with a budget of N$5.04mn, targets 2,000 poultry producers nationwide. Participants can access a 60% subsidy on production stock, 50% on medicines and feed, and 65% on equipment such as incubators and housing. In addition, N$840,000 has been allocated for training in poultry farming and marketing.

In the dairy sector, a pilot scheme is underway in Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Hardap, Oshikoto, and Zambezi. This Dairy Value Chain Development Scheme focuses on 150 current dairy producers and aims to build a modern, self-sustaining dairy industry. Farmers are eligible for subsidies covering 60% of production stock, 50% of veterinary supplies and feed, and 65% of equipment and construction costs. “The maximum subsidy per beneficiary is N$200,000 for dairy cattle and N$100,000 for dairy goats,” added Nghipandulwa.

The Ministry also continues its Small Stock Distribution and Development Programme, a revolving project that provides vulnerable households with quality breeding stock. Each approved beneficiary receives 20 ewes and one ram to help build long-term income and sustainability.