Ecovado and Alfa Laval Partner to Drive Economic Growth in Underdeveloped Communities in South Africa

16 March 2026, Johannesburg, South Africa - Ecovado, an emerging agro‑processing company founded by local entrepreneur Hulisani Mudau, launched its new avocado oil processing plant in partnership with Alfa Laval Middle East, South and East Africa. The project supports economic development in the u Vhembe District community in Limpopo in South Africa

Ecovado was established by 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.

To bring Ecovado’s vision to life, Alfa Laval facilitated €450,000 in funding through EKN, a Swedish export credit agency, enabling Ecovado to build and equip an Avocado oil processing plant with a 100% 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 R10,000 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

A Partnership Rooted in Community Impact

“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.

Hulasani Mudau, Managing Director of Ecovado, highlighted the significance of the initiative saying “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 funding, equipment, and seedling donation have empowered us to grow an industry that belongs to the people of Venda.”

 

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.

About Alfa Laval South Africa

Alfa Laval South Africa launched its operation in Johannesburg more than 105 years ago and has been an important part of South Africa’s industrialization. Alfa Laval products are found in refineries, power plants, mines across Africa and in Food and Beverage Applications as central pieces of Sustainability and Energy Efficiency solutions.

Alfa Laval South Africa is part of Alfa Laval MESEA with a regional office in UAE.Currently, the company boasts over 230 employees across 12 sites, six service centers, and nine field service stations, serving 43 countries in the Middle East, Egypt, and Southeast Africa. With a customer base of over 1,000 satisfied clients and 36,500 installed units, Alfa Laval Middle East Ltd. has consistently delivered excellence and innovation. Notable projects include providing heat exchangers for HVAC applications in Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and supplying compact heat exchangers for the world’s largest green hydrogen plant in NEOM, showcasing the company’s pioneering efforts in sustainability across the region and the world.

About Alfa Laval

The ability to make the most of what we have is more important than ever. Together with our customers, we’re innovating the industries that society depends on and creating lasting positive impact. We’re set on helping billions of people to get the energy, food, and clean water they need. And, at the same time, we’re decarbonizing the marine fleet that’s the backbone of global trade.

We pioneer technologies and solutions that free our customers to unlock the true potential of resources. As our customers’ businesses grow stronger, the goal of a truly sustainable world edges closer. The company is committed to optimizing processes, creating responsible growth, and driving progress to support customers in achieving their business goals and sustainability targets. Together, we’re pioneering positive impact.

Alfa Laval was founded 140 years ago, has customers in 100 countries, employs more than 22,300 people, and annual sales were SEK 66.9 billion (5.8 BEUR) in 2024. The company is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.