Chicken meat and offal market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The West African chicken meat and offal market grew from 1 277 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 574 thousand tons in 2023, driven by increasing consumer demand linked to urbanization and changing dietary habits. This demand was largely met by imports of frozen chicken, particularly from Brazil, which dominated the market. Local production also increased from 851 thousand tons to 1 008 thousand tons over the period, though it faced persistent challenges from dependency on imported inputs and competition from low-priced subsidized imports.

Market size fluctuated during the period, with a notable rise in 2020 supported by increased import volumes. Earlier outbreaks of avian influenza in Europe had reduced European exports, creating a temporary opportunity for regional producers. By 2022, initiatives like the Poultry Science Excellence Center in Lomé, aimed at revolutionizing local production, began to provide support, contributing to higher output levels.

Regulatory changes emerged as Benin announced in 2023 a ban on imports of frozen chicken and eggs, effective from the end of 2024, to stimulate domestic production and protect public health. Despite this planned restriction, imports from Brazil continued to rise in 2024, reflecting sustained demand. Global innovations in freezing technology and the launch of new convenience products by major international players also influenced market dynamics.

Production chicken meat and offal in Western Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of chicken meat and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of chicken meat and offal, 2017-2020

Chicken meat and offal production in Western Africa declined after two consecutive years of growth. In 2020, production reached 877.7 K t, representing a 3.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 8.2%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 905.6 K t, with the largest year-over-year increase of 6.4% also occurring that year.

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

Exports chicken meat and offal from Western Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, reflecting a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 0.2 K t, marking a dramatic 98.3% decline from the previous year. In contrast, the peak was recorded in 2018 at 17.6 K t, with the largest increase of 46.8% also occurring that year. The difference between the 2018 peak and the 2020 trough was substantial, with exports in 2018 being 82 times higher than in 2020.

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

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The highest export value was observed in 2018, while the lowest occurred in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 61 times. In 2020, foreign chicken meat and offal supplies from Western Africa amounted to 0.4 M $ US, down by 97.6% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 26.4 M $ US, with the largest increase of 40.5% also occurring that year.

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

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

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

Imports chicken meat and offal to Western Africa

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, chicken meat and offal shipments to Western Africa from abroad amounted to 527.0 K t, representing a 31.0% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 54.7%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 15.7%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 9.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Belgium, and the Netherlands were the leading sources of imports in kind for Western Africa. The United States accounted for 20.6% of imports, Belgium for 16.2%, and the Netherlands for 14.4%. Together, these three countries comprised 51.2% of total import flows during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Western Africa imported a total of 436.6 M $ US of chicken meat and offal in 2020, indicating a significant rise of 55.6% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 57%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 16.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 13.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of chicken meat and offal to Western Africa in value terms were sourced from a diverse range of partner countries. The United States contributed 20.2% of imports, the Netherlands 15.8%, and Belgium 12.3%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 48.3% of total import flows during this period.

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

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