Goat meat market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The goat meat market in Eastern Africa expanded from 437 thousand tons in 2018 to 508 thousand tons in 2020. This growth was initially driven by the reopening of the Kenya Meat Commission, which significantly boosted weekly export volumes, and the widespread crossbreeding of local goats with imported breeds like Boer to improve meat quality and growth rates. Rising goat populations and increasing consumer preference for goat meat in restaurants and nyama choma joints further supported domestic consumption during this period.

A slight contraction to 493 thousand tons occurred in 2021, influenced by ongoing export logistics disruptions from Middle East conflicts, which increased freight costs and complicated trade. The market stabilized around 489 thousand tons in 2022 as extensive farmer training programs reached over 120,000 producers to improve herd management. By 2023, these efforts, combined with sustained demand for export-quality meat, contributed to a notable recovery, with market volume reaching 544 thousand tons.

Production goat meat in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of goat meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of goat meat, 2017-2020

Goat meat production in Eastern Africa has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 529.8 thousand tons of goat meat, marking a slight advance of 1.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 27.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of gains, goat meat production in Eastern Africa experienced a decline. In 2020, the output of goat meat was valued at 2 733 million US dollars in the region, showing a reduction of 3.5% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 20.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 2 832 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a growth of 12.0%.

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

Exports goat meat from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, t

After two years of improvement, goat meat exports from Eastern Africa declined. In 2020, the region exported 21 461 tons of goat meat, representing a decrease of 4.1% compared to the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 22 376 tons, and the largest increase was observed in 2018 with a growth of 1.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia clearly dominated the partner structure for exports in kind, while other countries collectively accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Goat meat exports from Eastern Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 110.7 million US dollars worth of goat meat, amounting to a decrease of 8.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.4%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 122.8 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in the same year with a growth of 3.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia together accounted for 91.4% of total exports in value terms, with other countries forming a diversified but less significant portion.

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

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

Imports goat meat to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, t

After two years of contraction, the volume of goat meat imports into Eastern Africa increased. In 2020, the region imported 55 tons of goat meat, up by 14.9% from a year earlier. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 63.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -28.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 48 tons, and the largest decline occurred in the same year with a drop of 66.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Australia, the Netherlands, and Spain—together absorbed 70.2% of total imports in kind of goat meat to Eastern Africa.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of decline, Eastern Africa's volume of goat meat imports increased. In 2020, imports reached 0.3 million US dollars, showing an advance of 6.3% from a year earlier. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 61.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -27.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.3 million US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in the same year with a drop of 45.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Australia (45.1% of imports in value terms), Spain (16.1% of imports in value terms), and the Netherlands (10.3% of imports in value terms) together accounted for 71.5% of total imports in value terms, remaining the main destinations for goat meat to Eastern Africa.

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

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