Goat meat market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the goat meat market in Sub-Saharan Africa expanded in volume from 1 114 тыс. т to 1 305 тыс. т. This growth was initiated by the reopening of the state-owned Kenya Meat Commission, which facilitated export activities, and the introduction of hybrid goat breeds that improved meat quality and production efficiency. The establishment of major private players like Kiamaiko Meats, which ensured export-grade quality and traceability, further supported market access and production scale.

The market's expansion continued despite emerging challenges. While feed availability issues during dry seasons presented obstacles, rising consumer demand driven by nutritional awareness and the cultural significance of goat meat sustained growth. The adoption of artificial insemination technology across the period improved herd genetics and production efficiency, helping to increase output. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which disrupted critical air freight routes for fresh exports from 2021, increased logistical costs but did not halt the overall production increase.

In the final years of the period, the market's growth was underpinned by the scaling of farming operations through expanded farmer groups and training programs. Quality assurance measures, such as unique identification marks for animals, bolstered breed authenticity and market trust. Strong and sustained consumer preference for goat meat, valued for its health benefits, ensured robust domestic demand, even as export logistics faced ongoing pressures from international conflicts.

Production goat meat in Sub-Saharan 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 Sub-Saharan Africa has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 1 229 thousand tonnes of goat meat, showing a slight increase of 1.2% from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 14.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, goat meat production in Sub-Saharan Africa saw a decline in value. In 2020, the output was valued at 6 351 million US dollars, down 3.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 8.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 6 584 million US dollars, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 7.5%.

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

Exports goat meat from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Sub-Saharan Africa's goat meat export volume decreased. In 2020, exports totaled 21 413 tonnes, marking a modest decline of 4.4% from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 22 404 tonnes, with the largest increase seen in 2018 at 1.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, goat meat exports from Sub-Saharan Africa were primarily directed toward the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Together, these two destinations accounted for 89.6% of total export flows, while other markets played a more minor role.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Goat meat exports from Sub-Saharan Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value amounted to 110.7 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate decrease of 8.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 7%, with an average annual decline of 2.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 122.8 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase that year at 3.2%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the export value structure for goat meat from Sub-Saharan Africa was dominated by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. These two countries together represented 91.4% of total export value, with other markets contributing only a small share.

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

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

Imports goat meat to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, goat meat import volumes into Sub-Saharan Africa declined. In 2020, the region imported 537 tonnes of goat meat, which is 4.9% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 63.6%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 17.8%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 537 tonnes, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 68.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main suppliers of goat meat to Sub-Saharan Africa in volume terms were Spain (24.0% of imports), Argentina (7.2%), and Australia (6.9%). However, their combined share was only 38.1% of total imports, indicating a diversified supplier base across the region.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Goat meat import values into Sub-Saharan Africa increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 2.9 million US dollars, up 5.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 93.6%, with an average annual increase of 24.6%.

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

In 2017-2020, the partner structure for goat meat imports into Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms was quite diverse. Spain (22.7% of import value), Australia (9.3%), and Argentina (4.7%) together accounted for just 36.7% of total flows, highlighting a broad range of suppliers.

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

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