Sheep and goat meat market in Central African Republic

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the market volume for sheep and goat meat in the Central African Republic increased from 47 491 t to 49 380 t, reflecting a gradual expansion. This growth was primarily driven by the National Livestock Development Project (PNDE), launched in 2018 to rehabilitate sheep and goat breeds specifically for meat production, which supported consistent rises in domestic output.

Production climbed each year, reaching 49 223 t by 2023, while imports remained relatively low. The mobility of pastoral livestock systems helped maintain competitive domestic supply, limiting reliance on meat imports. However, the sector faced persistent challenges such as a hostile sanitary environment and a lack of dedicated fattening centers for small ruminants, factors that shaped the market's development path.

By 2023, the market had grown by approximately 4% since 2018, with the PNDE continuing as a key initiative. The overall increase in volume demonstrated sustained, though modest, growth in local meat production capacity over the period.

Production sheep and goat meat in Central African Republic

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

Sheep and goat meat production in the Central African Republic has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 48 024 tonnes, showing minimal change from the 2019 level. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production declined by 3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.0%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 47 262 tonnes, which also marked the largest annual decline of 4.5%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with production rising by 1.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Central African Republic in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports sheep and goat meat from Central African Republic

According to market analysis, the Central African Republic did not export any sheep and goat meat between 2017 and 2020.

Imports sheep and goat meat to Central African Republic

Imports in kind, t

Imports of sheep and goat meat into the Central African Republic have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 379.8 tonnes, representing a 26.5% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import volumes surged by 122.1%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 30.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central African Republic in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Cameroon and Spain were the dominant sources of sheep and goat meat imports to the Central African Republic, together accounting for 93.8% of total import volumes. Other countries contributed only minor shares.

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

World map of product's imports to Central African Republic in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of sheep and goat meat imports into the Central African Republic has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 255 thousand US dollars, marking a 38.8% increase year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, import values jumped by 179.3%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 40.8%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Cameroon and Spain were the leading suppliers of sheep and goat meat to the Central African Republic in value terms, jointly capturing 94.0% of total import spending. Other countries each accounted for relatively small shares.

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

World map of product's imports to Central African Republic in value, 2017-2020