African leaders have unveiled an ambitious strategy to unlock the full potential of the continent’s livestock industry, with a renewed focus on boosting African livestock trade, attracting private-sector investment, and creating a unified market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The landmark commitment was announced during the ministerial session of the inaugural African Pastoral Markets Forum, where representatives from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Somalia, and the African Union Commission agreed on practical steps to transform the sector into a globally competitive industry.
The leaders highlighted a long-standing challenge facing the continent: despite owning nearly one-third of the world’s livestock resources, Africa continues to export mostly live animals while importing processed meat and dairy products. They stressed that the continent can capture far greater economic value by investing in local processing, strengthening supply chains, and expanding regional trade opportunities. The move is expected to improve food security, create jobs, and accelerate industrial growth across Africa.
Speaking at the forum, African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Moses Vilakati, described the pastoral livestock economy as one of Africa’s most valuable yet underutilised assets. He called for increased investment in livestock corridors, animal health services, water infrastructure, modern market facilities, and harmonised trade regulations to make cross-border livestock business easier and more profitable. Participating countries also committed to improving disease surveillance, expanding animal traceability systems, removing non-tariff barriers, and improving access to finance for livestock enterprises.
Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the continent must move beyond traditional subsistence pastoralism and embrace commercially driven livestock enterprises capable of attracting investors and competing in international markets. He revealed that Nigeria is implementing reforms that include ranch development, modern livestock markets, veterinary services, and advanced animal identification systems. Similar efforts are underway in Kenya, where authorities are digitising veterinary certification, modernising meat inspection processes, and building a comprehensive livestock traceability framework to improve competitiveness.
Other African leaders echoed the need for stronger regional cooperation and value addition. Uganda’s Minister of State for Animal Industry, Dr Bright Rwamirama, urged countries to focus on developing meat, dairy, and leather industries rather than exporting raw livestock. Somalia’s Minister of Livestock, Forestry and Rangelands, Hassan Hussein Mohamed, emphasized collaboration on animal health and food security, while Namibia pointed to its success in exporting livestock products to major global markets through strong veterinary systems and digital traceability. Together, the leaders expressed confidence that a more integrated and modern livestock sector could become a major driver of economic growth, trade, and prosperity across Africa.
source: Leadership
