Sub-Saharan Africa's formal poultry sector is growing at approximately 7 percent annually, making it the world's fastest-growing poultry market by percentage increase. The growth is driven by urbanisation (urban consumers are more likely to purchase commercially produced chicken than raise their own), rising incomes, and the price-competitiveness of chicken protein relative to beef and fish. South Africa has the most developed commercial poultry industry, producing approximately 1.8 million tonnes of poultry meat annually and competing vigorously with cheaper Brazilian and European imports. Nigeria, Ghana, and Ethiopia have large but predominantly informal poultry sectors.
Feed Cost as the Constraint
Maize and soybean meal account for approximately 70 percent of broiler production costs in sub-Saharan Africa. Maize prices in Nigeria and Ghana, which is 40 to 60 percent higher than in South Africa or Zambia, are the primary reason domestic production cannot compete with imported chicken on cost. AfCFTA's elimination of feed crop tariffs could improve the competitive position of West African poultry producers if maize can flow freely from Southern African surpluses. Poultry producers, feed manufacturers, and distributors can access industry contacts on intra-africa.com.
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