AU Calls for More Investment in Africa’s Pastoral Livestock Sector

The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) has called on African governments, investors and development partners to increase investment in the pastoral livestock sector to boost food security, regional trade and economic growth across the continent.

Speaking at the First African Pastoral Markets Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, AU-IBAR Director, Dr. Huyam Salih, said pastoralism should be recognised as an economic sector with strong investment potential rather than being viewed mainly as a humanitarian issue. She said livestock contributes nearly one-quarter of agricultural GDP in sub-Saharan Africa and supports more than 268 million pastoralists and agro-pastoralists.

Salih said Africa has a large livestock population but captures only a small share of its economic value because the sector receives limited investment. She said AU-IBAR, with support from the Gates Foundation, established the African Pastoral Markets Development Platform to promote policy reforms, improve livestock value chains and attract private investment. She added that pilot projects in Nigeria and Kenya have shown positive results in improving market access.

Ethiopia’s State Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Fikru Regassa, called for greater investment in veterinary services, livestock markets, transport infrastructure, processing facilities and digital technologies. He said removing trade barriers and improving regional trade corridors would help expand livestock trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Also speaking at the forum, representatives of the African Union Commission and the Gates Foundation urged African countries to invest in market infrastructure, climate-resilient livestock production and opportunities for women and young people. The Gates Foundation said it is supporting AU-IBAR's initiative to help unlock about three billion dollars in planned pastoral livestock investments over the next three to five years.