Air Tanzania direct cargo flights to China: A game-changer for Tanzanian avocado exporters

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a groundbreaking boost for Tanzania's agriculture and international trade, Air Tanzania has achieved a major milestone by securing approval from China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) to launch direct cargo flights between Dar es Salaam and Guangzhou.

This pivotal decision opens a new chapter in the country’s export capabilities, paving the way for Tanzanian goods to reach one of the world’s largest markets with unprecedented efficiency.

The new route marks a significant step forward for local farmers and businesses, who will now have direct access to China’s vast consumer base.

It is expected to greatly enhance the export of fresh produce, spices, and other Tanzanian goods, ensuring faster delivery times and reduced costs.

 The move also highlights the strengthening ties between Tanzania and China, reflecting a shared commitment to bolstering trade and economic growth.

Industry experts have hailed this as a transformative moment for Tanzania’s economy, noting that the direct flights will not only boost trade volumes but also enhance the competitiveness of Tanzanian products in the global market. With this approval, Air Tanzania is set to play a critical role in elevating the nation’s position as a key player in international trade.

 

On another note, an inaugural container, laden with Tanzanian-grown organic avocados, made a historic arrival in China on 18 November 2024.

 

These two moments mark a key turning point for the industry, as experts expect it to become a financial bonanza for farmers and exporters alike.

 

The newly approved cargo plane boasts a capacity of 54 tonnes and can operate for up to 10 hours without refueling, providing an efficient and direct route to China.

 

“The first scheduled flight is poised to take off in the coming weeks,” the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania said in a statement.

Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA)’s CEO Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi, expressed her excitement at the news of Air Tanzania's direct flights to China.

This development comes two weeks after Beijing granted Tanzanian avocados access to China’s expansive market.

 Dr. Mkindi highlighted the mutual benefits for both nations: "The move will be beneficial to the butter fruit exporters as it will cut transport time for avocados to reach Chinese consumers with optimum quality. It's an advantage for both local farmers, who gain access to international markets, and Chinese consumers, who will enjoy fresh avocados."

 

She praised the governments of Tanzania and China for their commitment to the interests of their citizens, acknowledging that faster transportation significantly reduces the time it takes for avocados to reach their destination.

 

Previously, a sea shipment containing 24 metric tonnes of Hass avocados, valued at $18,500, took 22 days to travel from Mombasa Port in Kenya to Hong Kong Port.

 

In contrast, the flight time from Dar es Salaam to Beijing is only around 12 hours and 12 minutes, dramatically reducing delivery time to just one day.

 

Dr. Mkindi also extended her gratitude to development partners like the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and TradeMark Africa (TMA) for their unwavering support in facilitating international market access.

 

"We are thankful to partners like Sida and TMA for their support in unlocking opportunities for farmers. Together, we are expanding horizons and creating a brighter future for Tanzania’s agricultural sector," she noted. At an institutional level, this milestone marks a good point of celebration for TAHA as it commemorates its 20th anniversary since it was first registered in 2004. 

 

This strategic move not only positions Tanzania as a key player in the global avocado market but also strengthens the economic bonds between Tanzania and China.

 

For Tanzanian farmers, this breakthrough represents a vital opportunity to capitalize on new markets, propelling local agriculture towards a prosperous future.

 

As anticipation builds for the maiden cargo flight, stakeholders across both countries are optimistic about the potential for sustained economic growth and cooperation.

 

Dr. Mkindi is grateful indeed to the Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Hussein Bashe, who, she said, worked extremely hard, courting the Tanzanian Embassy in China to ensure the local companies are audited to comply and eventually get sanitary and phytosanitary clearance.

 

The TAHA CEO also attributes China’s move to grant market access for Tanzanian avocados to Beijing’s elaborate plan to increase imports from Africa, as part of a trade rebalance aimed at cutting deficits between Beijing and the natural-resource-rich continent.

 

With a population of over 1.4 billion, China — which is the 10th leading importer of avocado globally — is now likely to become Tanzania’s next leading destination for fresh avocados, which have traditionally been restricted to Europe and the Middle East.

 

Despite being the third-largest avocado producer in Africa after South Africa and Kenya, Tanzanian farmers have largely failed to access the export market for their produce, owing to a lack of SPS measures for the butter fruit to access some international markets, as was the case with the Sino market.

 

“I’m so thankful and proud of our President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for her fine diplomatic traits that saw the lucrative avocado market of the 1.4 billion population nation opened after six years of our struggles,” Dr. Mkindi said.

 

The ambitious journey to penetrate the vast Chinese market began as early as 2018 when TAHA (Tanzania Horticultural Association) identified its untapped potential.

Recognizing the immense opportunities in one of the world’s largest consumer markets, TAHA strategically sought the Tanzanian government’s support, urging it to use its diplomatic influence to facilitate entry for Tanzanian avocados.

This groundbreaking initiative marked a turning point for the horticultural sector in Tanzania, which had been looking for ways to expand its reach beyond traditional markets.

According to Dr. Jacqueline Mkindi, Chief Executive Officer of TAHA, this effort is perfectly aligned with the government’s overarching vision for horticulture.

Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, Tanzania is now firmly on track to achieve its ambitious goal of raising the annual export value of horticultural produce to $2 billion by the year 2030.

This target represents a massive leap from the current figure of $420 million and underscores the government’s commitment to making agriculture a cornerstone of the national economy.

Dr. Mkindi emphasized that the export drive is not only about boosting economic numbers but also about uplifting the livelihoods of ordinary Tanzanians.

By fostering growth along the horticultural value chain, the initiative is expected to create thousands of meaningful employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women.

These groups, often underserved in traditional labor markets, stand to benefit significantly from roles in farming, processing, packaging, and distribution.

 By 2030, the ripple effects of this strategy could transform entire communities, turning agriculture into a viable path out of poverty.

Furthermore, the Chinese market represents not just a new destination for Tanzanian avocados but a golden gateway for other horticultural products.

The demand for fresh, high-quality produce in China has been growing rapidly, fueled by an increasingly health-conscious middle class. Tanzania’s strategic location and year-round agricultural production position it uniquely to meet this demand, presenting a win-win scenario for both nations.

By prioritizing quality standards, adhering to international trade protocols, and fostering public-private partnerships, Tanzania is setting a strong foundation for long-term success in this lucrative market.

The potential benefits go beyond monetary gains, as increased export activity will also encourage knowledge transfer, technological advancement, and the modernization of farming techniques across the country.

As the horticultural sector flourishes, its success could inspire other agricultural industries in Tanzania to explore international markets, further bolstering the nation’s economic resilience.

Indeed, the story of Tanzanian avocados breaking into China is more than a tale of trade; it is a narrative of hope, ambition, and a united effort to secure a brighter future for generations to come.