Sheep and goat meat market in Mali

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh, chilled, or frozen sheep and goat meat in Mali experienced substantial growth from 27 419 t in 2018 to a peak of 51 939 t in 2022, followed by a decline to 33 748 t in 2023. The initial expansion was underpinned by a large and recorded national herd, with a 2019 census counting over 19 million sheep and 26 million goats, providing a solid base for meat production and supply.

Market volume contracted in 2021 to 38 470 t, coinciding with reported supply chain disruptions and security challenges that hindered livestock flows to urban centers, leading to meat price spikes and reduced availability. During the same year, regional actions were launched to facilitate cross-border trade with Mauritania and Senegal, including the establishment of transit centers, aiming to improve the movement of livestock and meat.

After a surge in 2022, the market volume fell in 2023. In 2024, significant infrastructure development occurred with the commissioning of the modern Laham Industrie slaughterhouse in Kayes, featuring an annual capacity of 27 600 t of meat, including 5 400 t for sheep and goat meat, designed to enhance processing and cold chain capabilities. Concurrently, the government organized promotional livestock sales during Ramadan to support affordable meat access.

Production sheep and goat meat in Mali

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

Mali's sheep and goat meat production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 41 835 tons, marking a significant 30.1% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 45.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 13.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 27 144 tons, while the largest year-on-year decline occurred that same year, with a drop of 5.9%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from Mali

Exports in kind, t

Mali exported 12.3 tons of sheep and goat meat in 2020, representing a substantial 226.7% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by an impressive 8 974.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 349.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export structure in physical terms was characterized by the dominance of Côte d'Ivoire, which accounted for 72.8% of total shipments. The remaining exports were distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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

World map of product's exports from Mali in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of sheep and goat meat exports from Mali reached 36 thousand US dollars, showing a dramatic 177.9% rise from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export values increased by 6 902.7%, corresponding to an average annual growth rate of 312.2%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea together dominated Mali's export value, with shares of 65.3% and 26.2% respectively, combining for 91.5% of total exports. Other partners accounted for the remaining portion.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to Mali

Imports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of growth, Mali's imports of sheep and goat meat declined in 2020. The country imported 207.5 tons that year, which represents a 55.0% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 timeframe, imports saw a modest overall increase of 2.1%, averaging 0.7% per year. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 461.1 tons, with the largest year-on-year increase occurring that same year at 67.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain was the primary source for Mali's sheep and goat meat imports in physical terms, accounting for 79.1% of total volume. The rest came from a diverse group of smaller supplier countries.

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

World map of product's imports to Mali in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market showed considerable volatility throughout the period. Imports peaked in 2019 and hit their lowest point in 2017, with a threefold difference between the two years. In 2020, Mali's sheep and goat meat imports totaled 759 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 55.8% drop from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 714 thousand US dollars, while the largest percentage increase occurred in 2018 at 100.0%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Spain maintained a dominant position in Mali's import structure by value, capturing 81.1% of total import flows. Other markets held relatively minor shares in comparison.

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

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