Zobo export value soars: Nigeria reaps benefits of hibiscus boom

Dayo Thomas

The export value of zobo (hibiscus) from Nigeria has recorded a significant surge, with the country generating over ₦51 billion in the first half of 2025. This impressive growth reflects rising global demand for Nigeria’s high-quality hibiscus, which is widely used in the food, beverage and cosmetics industries.

The global hibiscus tea market is projected to expand substantially, with its value expected to rise to 5.6 billion dollars by 2027, up from 3.3 billion dollars in 2020. The growth is driven by increasing consumer preference for natural and herbal products, presenting a lucrative opportunity for Nigerian exporters to take advantage of the trend.

Nigeria’s hibiscus exports are in strong demand across international markets, with major destinations including India, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, the United States and Mexico. India has emerged as Nigeria’s leading export partner, recording a 76.35 per cent increase in imports from the first quarter of 2024.

The Netherlands and Italy have also shown notable growth in demand, while Mexico stands out as a key market, importing about 85 per cent of Nigeria’s hibiscus exports, underscoring the country’s heavy reliance on Nigerian supply.