Zimbabwe Aims to Be Africa’s Blueberry Capital with New China Deal

Zimbabwe, Africa’s leading tobacco producer, is cultivating an ambitious new identity as a hub for blueberries. A landmark deal with China, the world’s largest importer of the fruit, will allow Zimbabwean blueberries to enter the Chinese market tariff-free, offering farmers a lucrative opportunity. While tobacco sales remain higher, growers are excitedly pivoting towards the “superfood,” citing rising global demand and the potential for greater long-term profit. High-tech farms are already expanding production to meet this goal, employing sophisticated methods to grow premium fruit. Though challenges remain—land reform scars, currency instability, and investor caution—farmers hope booming global demand will make Zimbabwe Africa’s new blueberry hub. The burgeoning industry is not only promising economic growth but also creating valuable employment opportunities, particularly for women.

BBC