Ecovado, a South African agro-processing company founded by entrepreneur Hulisani Mudau, has launched a new avocado oil processing plant in Limpopo in partnership with Alfa Laval Middle East, South and East Africa. Located in the Vhembe District, the plant will process locally grown avocados into oil, creating new opportunities for economic development and value creation in the surrounding community.
Ecovado was established by Hulisani Mudau, who recognized the region’s untapped potential: an abundance of avocados that could help address the limited economic opportunities.
The company was created to stimulate local development through job creation, fruit-for-cash initiatives, and long-term agricultural sustainability.
A partnership rooted in community impact
Ecovado built and equipped an Avocado oil processing plant with a 100 percent Alfa Laval processing line.
This world-class technology now allows Ecovado to produce high-quality avocado oil, the majority of which is destined for export markets.
Additionally, Alfa Laval donated funds to purchase avocado seedlings for small-scale farmers in the surrounding communities.
This initiative aims to expand local avocado production, ensuring long-term supply for the plant while creating new income streams for households.
This project represents exactly what sustainable industrial development should look like: world-class technology enabling local entrepreneurship, job creation, and long-term community development. We are proud to support Ecovado in transforming the natural abundance of Venda into real economic opportunity. This project captures Alfa Laval’s purpose, Pioneering Positive Impact, said Bongani Twala, General Manager of Alfa Laval South and East Africa.
For Ecovado, the partnership is more than a business milestone; it is a catalyst for regional transformation.
Hulisani Mudau, Managing Director of Ecovado, highlights the significance of the initiative.
This project was born from a desire to change the economic landscape of my home community. With Alfa Laval’s support, we have been able to build a facility that not only processes avocado oil but also creates livelihoods. The world-class equipment and seedling donation have empowered us to grow an industry that belongs to the people of Venda, Hulisani Mudau said.
A model for rural industrialization
The Ecovado plant is now fully operational, employing local residents and sourcing fruit directly from small-scale growers.
As production scales, the company aims to expand its network of community suppliers and increase export volumes, positioning Venda as a competitive player in the global avocado oil market.
This partnership between Ecovado and Alfa Laval demonstrates how strategic investment, local leadership, and advanced technology can build economic potential in underserved regions.
