Tanzania has opened a direct cargo flight connecting Dar es Salaam to Guangzhou, China for its horticulture sector. This new route, inaugurated by Air Tanzania offers a faster and more efficient transport solution, especially for avocado exporters.
According to The Tanzania Horticultural Association (Taha) CEO Jacqueline Mkindi, the Boeing 767 freighter, which has a capacity of 54 tonnes, presents new business opportunities for exporters of perishable goods. She emphasized that this development aligns with the country’s goal of increasing horticultural export earnings to $2 billion annually by 2030, up from the current $420 million.
Benefits of a direct route
Tanzanian avocados were granted access to the Chinese market in 2022, with the first shipment dispatched in November 2024. Mkindi highlighted the advantages of this direct route, noting that it significantly reduces transportation time, ensuring that avocados reach China in peak condition. Previously, shipments had to go through Mombasa port in Kenya, taking 22 days to reach Hong Kong by sea. In contrast, airfreight now delivers the produce within approximately 12 hours.
This initiative is expected to benefit both local farmers by expanding their market reach and Chinese consumers by providing fresher avocados. The direct cargo connection is a step toward strengthening Tanzania’s position in the global horticulture trade.