by Xinhua writers Hua Hongli, Lin Guangyao, Lucas Liganga
In the highlands of Njombe Region in southern Tanzania, 38-year-old Juliana Yotham Mwalyepelo surveys rows of thriving avocado trees.
As the chief executive officer of Chrises Real Solutions Company Limited, Mwalyepelo sees each fruit not just as a harvest, but also a symbol of Tanzania’s growing role in sustainable agribusiness and its deepening trade ties with China.
“We are a diversified agribusiness and investment solutions company based in the Dodoma Region,” Mwalyepelo told Xinhua. “Our focus is on avocado farming, land investment, and exports of agricultural products such as cocoa, coffee, and honey to various parts of the world, including China.”
Founded in 2018, Chrises Real Solutions began modestly with a 4.5-acre avocado farm, selling its produce to Kenyan middlemen. That changed in 2024, when Mwalyepelo assumed direct control of export operations.
“We started small, but now we have expanded to a 28-acre farm and are looking to acquire more land,” she said. “Our goal is to export avocados directly to global markets, particularly China, without relying on intermediaries.”
The Njombe Region, situated at over 1,800 meters above sea level, boasts fertile soil and a favorable climate suited for avocado cultivation. Mwalyepelo said the unique environment bestows Tanzania-grown avocados with a distinctive flavor and texture that stand out internationally.
“The avocados from Njombe are 100 percent organic,” she explained. “We don’t use chemical fertilizers or artificial pesticides. We rely on natural manure from our cows, which provides nutrients for the trees.”
“The result is a creamy, high-oil-content fruit — safe, nutritious, and delicious,” Mwalyepelo beamed with pride. “When you spread it on bread, it feels just like butter.”
As the China International Import Expo (CIIE), one of the largest trade fairs globally, draws near, Mwalyepelo and her team feel “both humbled and excited” to present their homegrown produce in Shanghai.
“It’s a world-class exhibition that connects producers like us with global buyers. We thank our government for supporting small farmers to showcase their products on such a platform,” she said.
One of her key goals is to secure long-term export agreements with Chinese companies and retailers. “We want to meet buyers face-to-face, build lasting relationships, and create a sustainable supply chain between Tanzania and China,” said Mwalyepelo.
She said that the longstanding Tanzania-China partnership gives her confidence as she enters the Chinese market.
“I’m not going there alone,” she smiled. “When I go to China, I go with the support of my government and the trust that Tanzanian farmers can deliver quality to meet China’s high demand for avocados.”
Mwalyepelo has set sights on a better understanding of Chinese consumer preferences, from size and ripeness to packaging and presentation, with the expo serving as a vital bridge. “Chinese consumers are sophisticated and have specific tastes. We will listen to what they prefer and adapt our practices accordingly.”
Beyond that, Mwalyepelo also views the CIIE as a platform for exploring technological cooperation.
“China is well advanced in agricultural technology,” she said. “We hope to exchange expertise and attract investment in processing facilities so that in the future, we can export processed avocado products, such as oil, puree, or frozen avocados, instead of only fresh fruit.”
“China manufactures affordable, high-quality agricultural equipment,” she noted. “We are interested in purchasing machinery and inviting Chinese experts to help us modernize our farms.”
The company currently employs four full-time workers. Mwalyepelo envisions hiring dozens more as operations grow, particularly young people and women from surrounding communities. “Our mission is to create jobs, empower farmers, and make agriculture more profitable for rural families,” she said.
For Mwalyepelo, the path ahead is about shared prosperity. “The CIIE is not just an exhibition, it’s a bridge that connects nations and people,” she reflected. “Through platforms like this, we can promote Tanzania’s agriculture, attract investment, and strengthen China-Africa cooperation.”
Cathy Wang, director general of the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center Limited, the organizer assisting Tanzanian companies in CIIE participation, revealed that a total of 15 Tanzanian companies, represented by 18 delegates, will travel to China, bringing 16 categories of distinctive products, including Tanzanian wine, soybeans, honey, seaweed, minerals, tea, and more.
“We are delighted to see that Tanzanian avocados are making their debut at the CIIE this year, bringing a new surprise to Chinese consumers,” Wang noted.
As the sun sets over the lush hills of Njombe, the promise of Tanzania’s green gold is ready to travel far beyond these highlands, carrying with it a message of friendship, sustainability, and hope. Enditem
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