Over the last five years, Africa has witnessed a remarkable surge in chicken imports from Brazil, signaling a major shift in the continent’s poultry supply dynamics. As populations expand, urbanization accelerates, and demand for affordable animal protein increases, many African countries are turning to external suppliers to bridge widening gaps between local production and consumption. Brazil, already one of the world’s largest poultry producers, has emerged as a key beneficiary of this growing demand, steadily strengthening its position across African markets.
Between 2020 and 2024, Africa’s imports of Brazilian chicken rose by nearly three-quarters, reflecting consistent year-on-year growth. From just over half a million tonnes at the beginning of the period, volumes climbed to almost one million tonnes by 2024. This expansion highlights not only rising consumption but also the competitiveness of Brazilian poultry in terms of pricing, reliability, and scale. Brazil’s highly industrialized poultry sector allows it to produce large entities efficiently, making its chicken products accessible to markets where local production costs remain high.
South Africa continues to lead as the largest importer of Brazilian chicken on the continent. Its well-developed cold-chain infrastructure, strong consumer demand, and long-standing trade ties have positioned it as a major entry point for poultry imports. However, growth is no longer limited to traditional large markets. Several West and Central African countries have recorded sharp increases in imports, demonstrating how demand is spreading more widely across the continent.
Ghana has emerged as one of the fastest-growing destinations for Brazilian chicken. Over the five-year period, imports rose dramatically as the country sought to supplement domestic supply amid rising urban demand and relatively high local production costs. Similarly, the Republic of the Congo and Angola have increased their purchases substantially, driven by population growth, changing diets, and limited capacity for large-scale poultry farming. North African countries such as Libya have also maintained strong demand, supported by import-friendly policies and reliance on external food ources.
The growing preference for imported chicken is influenced by several factors. In many African countries, poultry farming remains dominated by small-scale producers who struggle with high feed costs, disease outbreaks, limited access to finance, and inadequate processing facilities. These challenges make it difficult for local producers to consistently supply affordable chicken in sufficient quantities. Imported poultry, particularly frozen cuts, often arrives at lower prices and in standardized quality, making it attractive to both retailers and consumers.
However, the rapid growth in imports has also sparked debate across the continent. Local poultry farmers frequently express concern that cheap imports undermine domestic production, slow industry development, and threaten rural livelihoods. Some governments have responded by introducing tariffs, import quotas, or outright bans to protect local industries. Others have taken a more balanced approach, allowing imports while investing in feed production, hatcheries, and disease control to strengthen domestic capacity.
Looking ahead, Africa’s reliance on Brazilian chicken may face new uncertainties. Global animal health risks, including outbreaks of avian influenza, have the potential to disrupt supply chains and trigger temporary trade restrictions. At the same time, African governments are increasingly under pressure to improve food security through local production rather than long-term dependence on imports. How successfully countries invest in modernizing their poultry sectors will play a critical role in shaping future trade patterns.
Despite these challenges, Brazil remains a central player in meeting Africa’s current poultry needs. As long as demand for affordable protein continues to rise faster than domestic production, Brazilian chicken is likely to remain a significant presence on African tables. The trend underscores both the opportunities and the vulnerabilities within Africa’s food systems, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable investment in local poultry production alongside carefully managed international trade.
