Njombe, Tanzania — As the China International Import Expo (CIIE) prepares to open its doors in Shanghai, Tanzanian agribusiness leader Juliana Yotham Mwalyepelo is preparing to showcase a product she calls “green gold”: organically grown avocados from the highlands of southern Tanzania.

Mwalyepelo, chief executive officer of Chrises Real Solutions Company Limited, leads a diversified agribusiness based in Dodoma Region. Her company specializes in avocado farming, land investment, and the export of agricultural products including cocoa, coffee, and honey to global markets, with China emerging as a key destination.

Founded in 2018, Chrises Real Solutions began with a modest 4.5-acre avocado farm, initially selling to Kenyan intermediaries. In 2024, Mwalyepelo took direct control of export operations, expanding the farm to 28 acres and setting her sights on international markets. Her goal is to establish direct export channels to China, bypassing middlemen and building long-term commercial relationships.

The Njombe Region, located at over 1,800 meters above sea level, offers fertile soil and a temperate climate ideal for avocado cultivation. Mwalyepelo attributes the superior quality of her produce to the region’s natural conditions and organic farming practices. Her team uses manure from local cattle instead of chemical fertilizers or synthetic pesticides, resulting in a creamy, high-oil-content fruit with a distinctive flavor and texture.

“The avocados from Njombe are 100 percent organic,” she explained. “They’re safe, nutritious, and delicious. When you spread them on bread, it feels just like butter.”

Mwalyepelo and her team are “humbled and excited” to present their avocados at the CIIE, one of the world’s largest trade fairs. She views the expo as a gateway to global buyers and a platform for Tanzanian producers to demonstrate quality, sustainability, and innovation.

“We thank our government for supporting small farmers to showcase their products on such a platform,” she said. “Our aim is to meet buyers face-to-face, build lasting relationships, and create a sustainable supply chain between Tanzania and China.”

She also emphasized the importance of understanding Chinese consumer preferences, including size, ripeness, packaging, and presentation. “Chinese consumers are sophisticated and have specific tastes. We will listen to what they prefer and adapt our practices accordingly.”

Beyond trade, Mwalyepelo sees the expo as an opportunity for technological exchange. She expressed interest in acquiring affordable, high-quality agricultural equipment from China and inviting Chinese experts to help modernize Tanzanian farms. Her long-term vision includes establishing processing facilities to export avocado oil, puree, and frozen products, adding value beyond fresh fruit.

Chrises Real Solutions currently employs four full-time workers, but Mwalyepelo plans to expand the team significantly, prioritizing youth and women from surrounding communities. “Our mission is to create jobs, empower farmers, and make agriculture more profitable for rural families,” she said.

Cathy Wang, director general of the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center Limited, confirmed that 15 Tanzanian companies will participate in the CIIE, represented by 18 delegates. They will present 16 categories of products, including wine, soybeans, honey, seaweed, minerals, and tea.

“We are delighted to see Tanzanian avocados making their debut at the CIIE this year, bringing a new surprise to Chinese consumers,” Wang said.

As the sun sets over the hills of Njombe, Tanzania’s green gold is poised to reach new markets, carrying with it a message of sustainability, partnership, and shared prosperity.