Sheep and goat meat market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for sheep and goat meat in Sub-Saharan Africa grew from 4.1 million tons in 2018 to 4.6 million tons in 2020. This expansion was supported by the significant growth of commercial livestock farming, particularly in Kenya, where production surged by 58% in 2020 driven by rising domestic and export demand.

Following a period of stabilization in 2021, the market volume increased to 4.7 million tons in 2022. This growth was reinforced by stronger demand for fresh processed meat, including goat and sheep meat, across the Middle East and African regions.

Market volume reached 4.9 million tons in 2023, supported by a 7.3% increase in Kenyan production, which was boosted by imports of feeder cattle from Namibia and Botswana. The expansion of cold storage networks in South Africa improved the distribution of fresh and frozen meat. Export growth continued, facilitated by global demand for halal meat and enhancements in cold-chain logistics, although consumer preference in rural areas remained oriented toward freshly slaughtered meat.

Production sheep and goat meat in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

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

Sub-Saharan Africa's sheep and goat meat production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 4 590 thousand tonnes, marking a 3.3% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 17%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, Sub-Saharan Africa's sheep and goat meat production saw a decline in value. In 2020, the output was valued at 23 588 million US dollars, down 2.3% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 5.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 24 154 million US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports sheep and goat meat from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Sub-Saharan Africa exported 25 648 tonnes of sheep and goat meat, a slight increase of 0.6% compared to 2019. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 25 483 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 26 312 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 3.2% drop, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 2.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman were the main destinations for Sub-Saharan Africa's sheep and goat meat exports in volume terms. Together, they accounted for 79.7% of total exports, with the UAE at 51.9%, Saudi Arabia at 23.3%, and Oman at 4.5%.

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

Sheep and goat meat exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 131.8 million US dollars, a moderate decrease of 4.9% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 10.3%, with an average annual decline of 3.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman dominated Sub-Saharan Africa's sheep and goat meat exports in value, collectively representing 84.0% 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 sheep and goat meat to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, t

Sheep and goat meat imports into Sub-Saharan Africa have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 9 771 tonnes, a significant drop of 21.3% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 45.4%, with an average annual decline of 18.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Australia, New Zealand, and Spain were the primary sources for Sub-Saharan Africa's sheep and goat meat imports in volume. Together, they made up 56.4% of total imports, with Australia contributing 39.9%, New Zealand 11.0%, and Spain 5.6%.

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

Sheep and goat meat imports into Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were approximately 44.6 million US dollars, a substantial decrease of 17.3% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports dropped by 35.5%, with an average annual decline of 13.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 69.8 million US dollars, with the largest decline in 2019 at 22.8% and the largest increase in 2018 at 1.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia, New Zealand, and Spain were the key sources for Sub-Saharan Africa's sheep and goat meat imports in value, accounting for 68.5% of total imports. Australia led with 51.1%, followed by New Zealand at 11.2%, and Spain at 6.2%.

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