Sheep and goat meat market in Western Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the West African sheep and goat meat market volume expanded from 1.6 million tons to 1.8 million tons. This growth was propelled by a nutritional transition across the region, where rapid urbanization and increasing incomes significantly boosted meat consumption, particularly in urban centers.

French exports of boneless and frozen meat, including sheep and goat meat, rose to meet West Africa's growing demand for affordable protein. Local suppliers, especially in Côte d'Ivoire, enhanced their capabilities to deliver live or cut meat within the subregion. By 2024, French chilled and frozen beef exports to the region continued to increase, maintaining a stable import share in local consumption.

Consumer preferences shifted towards fresh, tender, and locally sourced meat slaughtered according to Islamic rites, which spurred the development of local slaughtering and processing chains. The expansion of modern retail and competitive pricing for imported frozen products further diversified market access. In 2024, industry events highlighted investment opportunities in local meat and milk value chains, underscoring the market's evolving dynamics.

Production sheep and goat meat in Western 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

Sheep and goat meat production in Western Africa has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 1 640 K t, marking a modest year-on-year increase of 2.9%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 9.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from Western Africa

Exports in kind, t

Cross-border exports of sheep and goat meat from Western Africa have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 68 t, representing a sharp decline of 73.0% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 93.4%, equivalent to an annualized decrease of 59.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam remained the primary market for exports in kind, accounting for 84.6% of total flows. The remaining volume was distributed among numerous other destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Sheep and goat meat exports from Western Africa have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region exported 216 K $ US worth of sheep and goat meat, showing a decrease of 52.8% over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 81.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 43.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for sheep and goat meat exports from Western Africa in value terms were Vietnam (61.0% of exports), Austria (8.9%), and Bunkers (3.8%). Together, these three markets accounted for 73.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to Western Africa

Imports in kind, t

Imports of sheep and goat meat into Western Africa have decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 484 t, reflecting a 12.4% drop compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports declined by 36.2%, with an annualized rate of 13.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in kind of sheep and goat meat to Western Africa were widely spread across markets. The United Kingdom (20.5% of imports), Belgium (13.9%), and Spain (12.6%) together represented only 47.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, sheep and goat meat imports into Western Africa saw an increase. In 2020, imports totaled 5 647 K $ US, showing little change from the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 5.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 5 617 K $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the principal destinations for sheep and goat meat imports into Western Africa in value terms were Spain (26.8% of imports), Australia (15.8%), and the United Kingdom (11.1%). These three countries jointly accounted for 53.7% of total flows.

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

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