Ethiopia expands banana exports to Middle East

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopia’s Southern region is gearing up to expand its banana exports to the Middle East, aiming to boost its horticulture industry while supporting local farmers.

According to Haliemariam Tesfaye, Head of the Agricultural Bureau for South Ethiopia State, preparations are well underway to achieve this milestone.

“We are focusing on meeting international market demands by improving the quality of our bananas,” Tesfaye shared with local media. The state plans to ship bananas to countries like Saudi Arabia while also expanding its reach to neighboring nations, including Sudan, Somalia, and Djibouti.

The South Ethiopia State is already known for its favorable conditions for banana farming, with over 113,000 hectares under cultivation.

During the past five months alone, the region harvested 15.8 million quintals of bananas. Officials anticipate a total production of 35 million quintals by the end of the fiscal year.

To support this growth, the state has introduced high-quality banana seedlings tailored to meet the needs of both domestic and export markets.

Farmers in the region have reported yields of up to 500 quintals per hectare in areas with advanced farming techniques, showcasing the potential of these improved practices.

Export-standard organic bananas are being cultivated across the state’s 12 zones, with Gamo, Wolayta, and South Omo zones leading in production.

The initiative has created numerous job opportunities and increased income for local farmers, further enhancing the region’s food security.

Ethiopia’s banana export history dates back to 1961, when the country exported around 5,000 tons. Recent efforts to revive this sector have borne fruit, with organic bananas recently making their way to Saudi Arabia.

The country is now the 64th largest exporter of bananas globally, with 2022 exports valued at $3.42 million. Primary destinations included Somalia, Djibouti, Germany, the UAE, and Canada. This steady growth is expected to continue, driven by the rising global demand for Ethiopian bananas.

According to agricultural experts, Ethiopia’s banana production reached approximately 574,000 metric tons in 2021, with projections suggesting it could climb to 665,000 metric tons by 2026.

This represents a growth rate of 2.5% annually, signaling strong potential for further expansion in both production and export.

The renewed focus on banana exports marks an important development for Ethiopia’s agricultural sector. With its high-quality organic produce and increasing global demand, the country is positioning itself as a reliable supplier to international markets.

“The journey doesn’t stop here,” Tesfaye emphasized. “We are committed to supporting farmers and ensuring Ethiopia’s bananas meet the highest standards for export.”

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