Zambia’s agricultural sector has seen an innovative development with the Lusaka Avocado Multi-purpose Cooperative Society (LAMCS) supplying its first batch of premium quality avocados to Shoprite Zambia shops. This milestone partnership was celebrated at an official launch event at the Shoprite Manda Hill store in Lusaka and marks a new era of business opportunities for small-scale avocado growers across the country.

“The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mwendalubi Moono Msok; the Managing Director of Shoprite Zambia, Charles Bota; and the board members of the LAMCS,” says John Chowa of the Lusaka Avocado Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society. This collaboration is a significant step in Zambia’s agricultural transformation and aligns perfectly with the government’s vision of promoting high-value crops through the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Program (CATSP).”

During the ceremony, Msoka said, “Today, we are witnessing the fruits of a true partnership between Zambian farmers and the private sector. “Shoprite’s commitment to sourcing locally produced avocados creates an effective model of sustainable agri-food development.”

From local shelves to global markets
A bilateral trade agreement between Zambia and South Africa has been revealed in an announcement, paving the way for fresh avocado exports. “This agreement provides our farmers with access to one of the most advanced markets on the continent,” explained a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture. “We are working closely with the growers to ensure their products meet all the required phytosanitary and quality standards for export.”

Shoprite’s General Manager, Charles Bota, challenged Zambian farmers to think big, saying, “Even if we start by supplying fresh fruit to all our shops, the real opportunity lies in adding value. Our shelves are ready for Zambian-produced avocado oil and other innovative avocado products.”

Building a sustainable supply chain
The chairman of the LAMCS board, Engineer Bernard Chiwala, explained the cooperative’s ambitious plans: “Ensuring a constant supply throughout the year is our immediate goal. To that end, we are coordinating production in the different agro-ecological zones of Zambia. We are making investments in infrastructure for post-harvest handling and the cold chain to maintain superior quality. Industry analysts predict that the development of the avocado sector could increase smallholders’ incomes by over 40%, while also significantly reducing post-harvest losses.”

The race for green gold
With the global demand for avocados expected to increase by 10% annually, Zambia, which has ideal growing conditions, could become a major player. The government has identified avocados as one of the priority tree crops to be promoted and supported under the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Program.

LAMCS has delivered the first locally produced avocados to Shoprite stores in Zambia, providing consumers with an opportunity to sample the fruit and support local farmers. This initiative will boost the economy, ensure national food security, and create new jobs.

For more information:
Lusaka Avocado Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society
+260966999660
+260967782494