Ethiopia to export livestock to Egypt

Ethiopia has signed an agreement with an Egyptian company, Trust for Trading and Transport permitting it to export live animals. Under terms of the agreement, 350,000 live animals will be exported to Egypt over two years.

Livestock products, leather, meat and live animals are among the top exports for Ethiopia, which has the largest livestock population in Africa.

Alebachew Nigussey, state minister of livestock and fishery said that the agreement was a step forward in enhancing trade ties between the two countries.

The Ethiopian Live Animals’ Exporters Association, Rimon General Trading PLC and Alfoz Private Limited Company signed the agreement with Trust for Trading and Transport.

According to government statistics, there are approximately 50 million cattle, 50 million goats and sheep, plus an assortment of horses, donkeys, camels and chickens.

Ethiopia’s commercial red meat (beef, mutton and goat) industry has made remarkable progress to date and shows considerable growth potential for the future. Investments in meat processing, especially those that are focused on exporting value-added products abroad is an excellent business opportunity in Ethiopia.

There are opportunities to manufacture livestock products for both local and export markets. Local demand for meat, milk and eggs is growing as the economy and population grow. This growth is expected to create investment and trade opportunities for certain commodities and open doors for veterinary and other livestock services.

The rapid growth in demand for meat products in the world represents a potential opportunity for livestock-rich countries like Ethiopia. This, Ethiopia is well-placed to lead Africa in harnessing the contribution of the livestock sector to maximize food and nutritional security, reduce poverty and develop sustainable farming.