Horse, donkey and mule meat market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for horse, donkey and mule meat in Sub-Saharan Africa expanded consistently from 24,803 tonnes in 2018 to 45,499 tonnes in 2023. Initial growth was supported by rising incomes in South Africa, which boosted overall meat consumption. A significant reduction in exports after 2019, falling from 8,566 tonnes to 2,828 tonnes in 2020, increased the volume of meat available for domestic sales.

Supply-side factors included the influence of feed raw material availability on livestock production and a market access program aimed at integrating smallholder farmers. On the demand side, urbanization trends and the entry of new, specialized frozen meal manufacturers created additional consumption channels. Fluctuations in maize and soybean prices in 2023 also impacted production costs across the livestock sector.

In 2024, an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease tightened the supply of red meat, affecting market conditions. Lower interest rates and fuel costs concurrently supported consumer demand. State-influenced entities, such as the Red Meat Abattoir Association, remained key participants in the market's structure throughout the period.

Production horse, donkey and mule meat in Sub-Saharan 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

Sub-Saharan Africa's production of horse, donkey, and mule meat has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 36 773 tonnes, marking a 1.7% rise compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.7%, which translates to an average annual increase of 1.5%.

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

Exports horse, donkey and mule meat from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

Exports of horse, donkey, and mule meat from Sub-Saharan Africa have fallen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, shipments abroad totaled 2 828 tonnes, a sharp decline of 67.0% from 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, exports dropped by 67.6%, averaging an annual decrease of 31.3%. The peak was in 2018, with 10 483 tonnes exported, and that year also saw the largest increase at 20.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam was the primary buyer of horse, donkey, and mule meat from Sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 87.3% of total exports by volume. Other trading partners held relatively small shares during this time.

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, K $ US

In 2020, Sub-Saharan Africa exported horse, donkey, and mule meat worth 4 430 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 58.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value fell by 58.9%, with an average annual decline of 25.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 16.8%.

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

During 2017–2020, Vietnam was the key buyer of horse, donkey, and mule meat from Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms, making up 83.7% of total exports. The remaining share was distributed among a diverse group of other countries.

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 horse, donkey and mule meat to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

Imports of horse, donkey, and mule meat into Sub-Saharan Africa have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to just 1 tonne, a dramatic drop of 98.6% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports plummeted by 99.7%, averaging an annual decrease of 85.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India, Brazil, and France dominated the import structure by volume. India accounted for 52.2% of imports, Brazil for 19.1%, and France for 16.4%, together representing 87.6% of total imports in kind.

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, K $ US

The value of horse, donkey, and mule meat imports into Sub-Saharan Africa has fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value stood at 1 thousand US dollars, a steep decline of 98.6% from 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, import value decreased by 99.7%, with an average annual drop of 85.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Brazil, and France led the import structure in value terms. India made up 51.3% of imports, 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 Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020