The launch of a new avocado oil processing plant for emerging agroprocessing company Ecovado – founded by local entrepreneur Hulisani Mudau – was announced in March.

The new facility was developed in partnership with global heat exchanger manufacturer Alfa Laval Middle East, South and East Africa (MESEA).

The project supports economic development in the Vhembe district, in Limpopo, South Africa, with Ecovado recognising the region’s untapped potential: an abundance of avocados that could help address the province’s limited economic opportunities. The company was created to stimulate local development through job creation, fruitforcash initiatives and longterm agricultural sustainability.

To bring Ecovado’s vision to life, Alfa Laval facilitated funding through Swedish export credit agency EKN, enabling Ecovado to build and equip an Avocado oil processing plant with a 100% Alfa Laval processing line.

This technology allows Ecovado to produce highquality avocado oil, the majority of which is destined for export markets.

Additionally, Alfa Laval donated funds to purchase avocado seedlings for smallscale farmers in the surrounding communities.

This initiative aims to expand local avocado production, ensure longterm supply for the plant and create new income streams for households.

“This project represents exactly what sustainable industrial development should look like: worldclass technology enabling local entrepreneurship, job creation and longterm community development,” said Alfa Laval South and East Africa GM Bongani Twala.

He explained that Alfa Laval is proud to support Ecovado, adding that “this project captures Alfa Laval’s purpose of ‘Pioneering Positive Impact’.”



With Alfa Laval’s support Ecovado was able to build a facility that not only processes avocado oil but also “creates livelihoods”.



The Ecovado plant is fully operational, employing local residents and sourcing fruit directly from smallscale growers.

As production scales up, the company intends to expand its network of community suppliers and increase export volumes, positioning the district as a competitive player in the global avocado oil market.

Twala concluded that the partnership between Ecovado and Alfa Laval demonstrates how strategic investment, local leadership and advanced technology can build economic potential in underserved regions.