Pork market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the pork market volume in Sub-Saharan Africa grew from 2.1 million metric tons to 2.4 million metric tons. This expansion was primarily fueled by a long-term doubling of per capita consumption since 2000, which stimulated herd growth across the region. Urban demand played a key role, with the spread of specialized grill restaurants in major cities increasing consumption, while the gradual recovery of local production following disease outbreaks bolstered supply.

The market's upward trajectory was further supported by anticipated increases in pork output across the region's least-developed countries. Significant investments, such as new production and processing enterprises in Burkina Faso and Eskort's 50% capacity expansion in South Africa during 2024, point toward ongoing intensification of the sector. These developments helped offset import fluctuations linked to global market tensions, including changes in Chinese purchasing patterns.

By 2023, the market neared stabilization at 2.4 million metric tons, with continued growth hotspots in key consuming regions like Cameroon's Centre and Littoral, which account for over half of demand. Evolving consumer preferences towards convenient products also began shaping market offerings, although the core driver remained the expansion of domestic production capacity.

Production pork in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pork, 2017-2020

World map of production of pork, 2017-2020

In 2020, Sub-Saharan Africa produced 1 962 K t of pork, representing a 3.8% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 12.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.1%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 1.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 9.8%.

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

Exports pork from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of decline, pork exports from Sub-Saharan Africa rebounded in 2020. Exports reached 5.0 K t, showing a substantial year-over-year increase of 38.7%. However, between 2017 and 2020, exports overall decreased by 10.8%, translating to an average annual decline of 3.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 3.6 K t, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 at 25.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and China consistently served as the three largest markets for pork exports from Sub-Saharan Africa. Together, these destinations accounted for 5.5% of total export flows during this period.

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

Sub-Saharan Africa's pork export value declined for the third consecutive year in 2020. Exports totaled 24.3 M $ US, reflecting an 8.4% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 16.9%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 6.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, the leading destinations for pork exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms were the United Arab Emirates (4.9% of export value), Hong Kong (2.1%), and China (0.9%). Collectively, these three markets represented 7.8% of total export flows.

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 pork to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Sub-Saharan Africa's pork imports declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Import volume reached 135.6 K t, marking a 2.8% year-over-year contraction. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 32.9%, corresponding to an average annual decline of 12.4%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2018 at 209.7 K t, while the most significant drop occurred in 2019 at 33.5%. The largest increase took place in 2018 at 3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil (34.7% of import volume), Germany (15.3%), and Belgium (6.7%) remained the primary suppliers of pork to Sub-Saharan Africa. Together, these three countries accounted for 56.7% of total import volume during this period.

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

Pork import value to Sub-Saharan Africa declined for the third consecutive year in 2020. Imports totaled 187.6 M $ US, showing a moderate 6.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 33.4%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 12.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Brazil (26.2% of import value), Germany (18.6%), and Spain (8.3%) formed the core of pork imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms. Collectively, these three suppliers accounted for 53.1% 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