Prepared or preserved pork and offal market in Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for prepared or preserved pork in Africa contracted sharply from 25 570 t in 2018 to 9 161 t in 2021, a decline largely attributed to falling imports. This coincided with the global spread of African Swine Fever, which severely disrupted worldwide pork supplies and limited import availability into the region. During these years, local production saw a steady increase from 2 685 t to 3 565 t, supported by the gradual intensification of predominantly artisanal pig farming systems and growth in herd sizes across West Africa.

Market volume rebounded strongly to 14 597 t in 2022 as global pork production recovered, rising by 8% primarily due to output growth in China, which improved import flows. Domestic production also peaked at 4 150 t that year, bolstered by ongoing modernization programs led by the Chamber of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock (CAPEF) aimed at enhancing competitiveness for the African Continental Free Trade Area. Rising pork consumption across the continent, driven by population growth and increasing incomes, provided additional momentum for this expansion.

In 2023, unfavorable weather conditions and regional conflicts disrupted livestock farming activities, contributing to a slight decrease in local output to 4 021 t and a market size reduction to 13 149 t. Regulatory measures to mandate origin labeling for meats in prepared foods were introduced in several countries, enhancing traceability. Continued sector investments in genetic improvement, infrastructure modernization, and securing veterinary and feed inputs sought to build resilience, even as production faced persistent challenges from high input costs and animal disease constraints.

Production prepared or preserved pork and offal in Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of prepared or preserved pork and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of prepared or preserved pork and offal, 2017-2020

Africa's production of prepared or preserved pork and offal grew for the second year in a row. In 2019, output stood at 3 265 tonnes, rising moderately by 6.8% to reach 3 265 tonnes in 2020. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 12.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2 685 tonnes, marking a decline of 7.2% from the previous year. In contrast, 2019 saw the strongest growth, with production jumping by 13.9%.

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

Exports prepared or preserved pork and offal from Africa

Exports in kind, t

The export market for prepared or preserved pork and offal from Africa was quite volatile during these years. In 2018, exports peaked at 1 766 tonnes, surging by 216.8% from the prior year. However, 2019 brought a sharp downturn, with exports plummeting by 80.7% to a lower level. By 2020, exports had fallen further to 316 tonnes, down 7.4% from 2019. Overall, from 2018 to 2020, exports swung dramatically, with the highest point being 5.6 times greater than the lowest.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Special Categories consistently served as the main buyers of prepared or preserved pork and offal from Africa, accounting for 2.7% of total exports by volume.

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 prepared or preserved pork and offal in value terms declined in 2020. That year, exports totaled 7 286 thousand US dollars, dropping by 15.4% compared to 2019. Over the full period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 17.1%, which averages out to an annual decrease of 6.1%. The only notable increase occurred in 2019, when exports edged up by 2.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, two key markets dominated Africa's exports of prepared or preserved pork and offal in value terms: Special Categories and the United Arab Emirates. Together, they represented 2.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports prepared or preserved pork and offal to Africa

Imports in kind, t

Imports of prepared or preserved pork and offal into Africa showed significant volatility over the observed period. In 2018, imports reached their highest point at 24 652 tonnes, jumping by 107.0% from the previous year. The following year, 2019, saw a steep decline of 55.8%. By 2020, imports had decreased further to 8 561 tonnes, down 21.4% year-on-year. From 2018 to 2020, imports varied widely, with the peak volume being 2.9 times higher than the trough.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main suppliers of prepared or preserved pork and offal to Africa by volume were Portugal, Italy, and France. Portugal accounted for 24.7% of imports, Italy for 23.4%, and France for 8.6%. Combined, these three countries made up 56.7% of total import volume.

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

Imports of prepared or preserved pork and offal into Africa in value terms fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 29 352 thousand US dollars, declining by 10.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports dropped by 31.4%, equivalent to an average annual decrease of 11.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, imports of prepared or preserved pork and offal into Africa in value terms were sourced from a diverse range of countries. The top suppliers were France, with a 17.7% share, Portugal at 15.4%, and Italy at 12.0%. Together, these three accounted for 45.2% of total import value.

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

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