Both nations are celebrating the recent news that Lesotho is now allowing Brazilian chicken exports into their country. For Lesotho, this means the ability to obtain a potentially cheaper and more plentiful source of protein to satisfy its increasing need. For Brazil, this is an important opportunity to establish a strong presence in a continent with a growing poultry market and to strengthen its position as a key supplier.
Nestled within South Africa, the mountainous kingdom of Lesotho has a population with a increasing demand for protein. Reporting from FAOSTAT, it has been revealed that the typical individual in Lesotho ingests approximately 11 kilograms of chicken each year. In recent years, there has been a consistent increase in this figure, which indicates a mix of contributing elements. The increase in incomes, urbanization, and a heightened understanding of the health advantages of protein are all factors fueling this phenomenon.
The increase in chicken consumption created a chance for Brazilian poultry producers. Brazil is a dominant force in the international poultry sector, consistently being listed as one of the leading exporters in the world. The ABPA acknowledged the African market’s potential, especially in countries like Lesotho where protein consumption is increasing.
The approval of the International Health Certificate (CSI) for Brazilian chicken by the Lesotho government is a significant breakthrough. This certificate confirms that the poultry production in Brazil complies with the sanitary and health standards of Lesotho. Given the approval, Brazilian exporters are now able to start providing chicken to Lesotho,
giving consumers a potentially cheaper alternative to locally produced chicken.
Brazil’s opening of the Lesotho market is happening at a very favorable time. In 2023, Brazil saw a notable rise in the export of chicken to African countries. In comparison to the previous year, African nations saw a significant increase of 13.1% in the import of Brazilian chicken, totaling 816.6 thousand tons. Although there wasn’t a substantial increase in revenue growth, it still showed a positive trend with a modest 1.6% rise to US$857.4 million.
There are several reasons for the increasing popularity of Brazilian chicken in Africa. Urbanization plays a vital role in driving change. As Africans increasingly move to urban areas, their eating habits also change. Because of its ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and ability to be used in a variety of dishes, chicken has become a popular choice for protein compared to more traditional options. Furthermore, the increasing levels of disposable income in the region enable consumers to allocate more of their budget towards purchasing protein-packed foods such as chicken.
Luis Rua, the markets director at ABPA, emphasizes how crucial the African continent is for Brazilian exporters from a strategic standpoint. “He says that Brazilian exporters have been paying more attention to the African continent.” The increasing urbanization and growing incomes throughout Africa present a distinctive market potential. Brazil is in a favorable position to take advantage of this opportunity by providing a dependable and affordable supply of chicken.
The decision by Lesotho to accept Brazilian chicken is just one part of a bigger overall plan. By establishing a presence in this emerging market, Brazil deepens its alliance with Lesotho and bolsters the country’s efforts to ensure food security. This partnership can act as an example for other African nations looking to address their increasing need for protein.
In the future, the success of Brazil’s expansion into the Lesotho market will depend on various factors. It will be essential for Brazilian exporters to maintain high-quality standards and competitive pricing in order to attract Lesotho consumers. Moreover, it will be crucial to establish solid connections with distributors and retailers in Lesotho to guarantee the effectiveness of distribution networks.
The opening of the Lesotho market offers advantages for all parties involved. Lesotho now has access to a protein source that is potentially more affordable and abundant, while Brazil is expanding its presence in the growing African poultry market. This progress has the possibility to open doors for additional partnerships, not only between Brazil and Lesotho, but also between Brazil and other African countries aiming to fulfil their protein requirements.
