Beef and buffalo meat market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, the volume of the African beef and buffalo meat market grew steadily from 7.2 million tons to 7.3 million tons. This expansion occurred alongside a consistent decline in import volumes, which fell by more than 25% over these five years. The market's value demonstrated considerable volatility during this period, dropping sharply in 2019 and 2020 before recovering to over $51 billion in 2022.

The market volume continued its growth in 2023, reaching 7.4 million tons despite industry challenges that included outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth disease and widespread load shedding. A key shift occurred in 2024 with the official opening of the Saudi Arabian market to South African beef imports, creating a significant new export destination. This development, along with a broader export push into the Middle East and North Africa, provided fresh momentum. Production was simultaneously bolstered by improved genetics and breeding strategies, although these gains were tempered by a mid-summer drought and persistently high input costs for farmers.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

Africa's beef and buffalo meat production saw a decline after two consecutive years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 7 005 thousand tonnes, but then fell by 1.7% to 6 889 thousand tonnes in 2020. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 2.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 2.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of Africa's beef and buffalo meat production declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, production value peaked at 49 125 million US dollars, but then dropped sharply by 25.6% in 2019, followed by a further 7.4% decrease to 33 843 million US dollars in 2020. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 15.8%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 5.6%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, with a 22.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Africa's beef and buffalo meat exports in volume terms showed a gradual decline. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 47.8 thousand tonnes, but then rebounded by 12.9% in 2019 before falling again by 5.2% to 51.1 thousand tonnes in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 9.7%, with an average annual decline of 3.3%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, when exports fell by 15.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Africa's beef and buffalo meat exports in volume terms were highly diversified across many countries. The top three destinations—China (11.1% of exports), the United Kingdom (7.5%), and the United Arab Emirates (6.9%)—collectively accounted for just 25.5% of total exports. The remaining 74.5% was spread among numerous smaller trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Africa's beef and buffalo meat exports in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports reached their highest value at 341 million US dollars, but then fell by 17.5% in 2019 and dropped further by 10.7% to 251 million US dollars in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 26%, with an average annual decline of 9.6%. The largest increase was a modest 0.5% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the country structure of Africa's beef and buffalo meat exports in value terms remained highly diversified. The top three markets—China (10.0% of exports), the United Arab Emirates (8.7%), and Kuwait (8.6%)—together made up only 27.4% of total export value. The remaining 72.6% was distributed across a wide range of smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Africa's beef and buffalo meat imports in volume terms decreased significantly. In 2019, imports peaked at 435.5 thousand tonnes, with an 18.0% increase from the previous year, but then fell by 16.7% to 362.8 thousand tonnes in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 11.1%, equivalent to an average annual decrease of 3.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Africa's beef and buffalo meat imports in volume terms were dominated by a few key suppliers. Brazil accounted for 51.3% of imports, India for 28.5%, and Spain for 3.9%, with these three countries together making up 83.7% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Africa's beef and buffalo meat imports in value terms declined. In 2019, imports reached their highest value at 1 954 million US dollars, with a 14.8% increase from the previous year, but then fell by 16.3% to 1 636 million US dollars in 2020. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 3.8%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 1.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Africa's beef and buffalo meat imports in value terms were heavily concentrated. Brazil was the largest supplier, accounting for 55.5% of total import value, followed by India at 26.8%. Together, these two countries made up 82.3% of imports, with other partners contributing the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Africa in value, 2017-2020