Zimbabwe, long known as Africa’s top tobacco producer, is charting a new course toward becoming a major player in the global blueberry market. Farmers and exporters are increasingly turning their attention to the nutrient-rich fruit, spurred by a landmark trade agreement with China — the world’s largest importer of blueberries.
Trade Breakthrough with China
Earlier this month, Harare and Beijing finalized a deal that allows tariff-free exports of Zimbabwean blueberries to China. This agreement is being hailed as a milestone for Zimbabwe’s struggling economy, creating access to a vast and fast-growing market.
“This is a game changer for local farmers,” said Linda Nielsen, Executive Director of the Horticultural Development Council. “The key now is to boost investment and ensure our produce meets China’s strict quality standards.”
Zimbabwe currently exports blueberries mainly to Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Gaining entry into China could dramatically expand demand once the country passes final pest and disease compliance checks.
Farmers Bet on a Rising Global Market
At a high-tech farm outside Harare, co-owner and former national cricket captain Alistair Campbell oversees 50 hectares of blueberry plants, each grown in imported pots and watered eight times daily. Although the crop is demanding, Campbell says the returns are worth it due to growing international demand for healthy foods.
“Our blueberries hit the market earlier than major competitors like Peru, and that gives us an edge,” Campbell said. Peru is currently the world’s largest exporter, but Zimbabwean farmers see potential to grab market share.
The southern African nation produced 12,000 tonnes of blueberries this year, a 50% increase from the previous season. By 2030, farmers hope to reach 30,000 tonnes annually. Morocco leads the continent with more than 80,000 tonnes, while neighboring South Africa produces around 25,000 tonnes but faces trade hurdles with the United States.
Economic Promise and Social Impact
Blueberry farming is not just about exports — it is also providing new jobs. The industry employs roughly 6,000 people, mostly women. During the harvest season, hundreds work on farms, picking and sorting the delicate fruit.
“It takes gentle hands to handle blueberries,” said Rebecca Bonzo, a farm supervisor. “Many women here support their families with this work.”
Horticulture specialist Clarence Mwale is working to involve more small and medium-scale farmers in blueberry production. He says China’s opening gives Zimbabwe a chance to diversify beyond traditional markets in Europe.
“Where we were competing for limited space in European markets, we now have a huge market to fill,” Mwale explained.
Challenges Ahead
Despite optimism, analysts warn that Zimbabwe must address key structural issues. Investors remain cautious more than 20 years after controversial land reforms shook confidence in property rights. Additionally, exporters are required to surrender a portion of their foreign currency earnings to the central bank, which many fear will devalue.
Still, the blueberry boom represents a strategic shift for a country whose economy has long depended on tobacco — a crop increasingly under global scrutiny for its health impacts.
“Zimbabwe fuelled a bad habit in the past,” Mwale said. “Now we want to fuel something healthy.”