Exploring Zimbabwe’s global record-breaking growth in agriculture

Zimbabwe is making strides in blueberry exports and the country is gaining ground on the global market.

According to the EastFruit report, Zimbabwe’s blueberry exports are currently growing faster than any other country in the world. Over the past five years, the African country has increased blueberry exports by 63% annually. In 2022, the country’s exports grew by 85% which allowed Zimbabwe to enter the top 15 countries in blueberry exports.

In November 2023, the country boasts of being the world leader in the growth rate of blueberry exports, exporting to South Africa, the UK, the EU, and Middle East countries, as well as to Russia.

EastFruit experts expect that in 2023, blueberry exports from Zimbabwe could grow by another 30-40%.

EastFruit is an international team of analysts that is the leading international information and analytical platform for the fruit and vegetable business in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.

This record follows Zimbabwe’s resounding wheat harvest record of 467,905 tonnes compared to 375,000 tonnes last season. This is the largest harvest since Zimbabwe started growing wheat in 1966. Also, the first time Zimbabwe achieved self-sufficiency and a surplus in wheat. This has saved Zimbabwe up to US$300 million in import costs.

The country also recently broke tobacco production records of 294 million kilogrammes of the golden leaf with 210 million kg sold so far earning Zimbabwe over US$1 billion. This 294 million kg output marks a historic achievement for Zimbabwe, surpassing the previous 2019 record of 261 million kg.

Zimbabwe is now Africa’s largest producer of tobacco and exports to China, the Middle East, and Europe.

Zimbabwe is now targeting a US$13.75 billion agriculture sector economy by 2025 after it surpassed the initial US$8.2 billion target last year.