Horse, donkey and mule meat market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The African market for horse, donkey and mule meat demonstrated steady expansion from 2018 to 2023, with total market volume increasing from 27 574 т to 47 758 т. Domestic production rose gradually over the same period, reaching 42 406 т in 2023, while consumption growth outpaced production, leading to a notable rise in imports by 2023.

Trade dynamics shifted significantly, as exports fell from 8 566 т in 2019 to just 142 т in 2023. Conversely, imports remained low until a sharp rise to 5 493 т in 2023, indicating a growing reliance on foreign supply to meet domestic demand before a contraction in 2024.

In 2024, regional developments in South Africa influenced the market. The government introduced temporary rebate provisions on meat to address shortages and support producers, while meat safety regulations under the Meat Safety Act were emphasized to ensure quality. Procedural delays at the Port of Durban affected meat trade flows, and broader consumer trends showed a preference for poultry over red meat due to health perceptions.

Production horse, donkey and mule meat in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of horse, donkey and mule meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of horse, donkey and mule meat, 2017-2020

Africa's production of horse, donkey, and mule meat has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the continent produced 39 520 tonnes, showing a modest year-over-year growth of 1.5%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 4.2%, which translates to an average annual increase of 1.4%. The most significant decline occurred in 2018, with a minimal change of 0.0%, while the largest uptick was in 2019, at 2.7%.

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

Exports horse, donkey and mule meat from Africa

Exports in kind, t

Africa's cross-border shipments of horse, donkey, and mule meat have fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volumes dropped to 2 849 tonnes, marking a substantial 66.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports declined by 67.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -31.2%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 10 486 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 20.1% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam dominated Africa's exports of horse, donkey, and mule meat in volume, accounting for 87.2% of the total. The remaining exports were spread across a diverse group of smaller countries.

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, K $ US

Africa's exports of horse, donkey, and mule meat in value terms declined in 2020, totaling 4 515 thousand US dollars, which is 57.6% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 58.1%, equating to an average annual decline of 25.2%. The most notable increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 16.6%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Vietnam played a leading role in Africa's exports of horse, donkey, and mule meat by value, holding an 83.5% share of total flows. The remainder was distributed among various other trading partners.

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

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

Imports horse, donkey and mule meat to Africa

Imports in kind, t

Africa's imports of horse, donkey, and mule meat in volume have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to just 1 tonne, representing a sharp 98.6% year-over-year decline. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 99.7%, with an average annual decrease of 85.4%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, India, Brazil, and France were the main sources for Africa's imports of horse, donkey, and mule meat by volume. India accounted for 52.2%, Brazil for 19.1%, and France for 16.4%, together making up 87.6% of total imports.

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, K $ US

Africa's imports of horse, donkey, and mule meat in value terms have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a 98.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports dropped by 99.7%, with an average annual decline of 85.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, India, Brazil, and France remained the key partners for Africa's imports of horse, donkey, and mule meat by value. India held a 51.3% share, Brazil 16.9%, and France 16.7%, collectively accounting for 84.9% of total import flows.

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

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