• Ethiopia authorizes imports of meat, dairy, and animal genetics from Brazil

• Addis Ababa aims to boost supply and improve herd productivity

• Brazil strengthens its footprint in Africa’s growing protein market

Ethiopia now authorizes the import of a wide range of livestock products from Brazil, including beef, pork, and poultry meat as well as offal. A statement published on April 8 on the Brazilian government’s website said authorities reached the agreement after negotiations between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The authorization also covers dairy products, pet food, fishery and aquaculture products, and animal feed inputs. In addition, the agreement includes more specialized segments such as fingerlings, fertile eggs, day-old chicks, and animal genetic material including semen and embryos. Authorities also approved exports of live cattle for slaughter, fattening, and breeding purposes.

Therefore, Addis Ababa aims to diversify its food supply sources. Moreover, the inclusion of genetic material and breeding cattle signals a strategy to improve herd productivity through genetic enhancement.

Brazil benefits from a strong reputation for high-quality cattle genetics adapted to tropical environments. The country also holds a dominant position in global animal product markets. Data compiled by the FAO show that Brazil ranks as the world’s second-largest beef producer after the United States and the leading global exporter. Brazil also ranks as the fifth-largest dairy producer behind India, the United States, Pakistan, and China.

At the same time, Ethiopia pursues growth in strategic livestock segments such as dairy. Under its National Dairy Development Strategy, the Ministry of Agriculture aims to increase domestic milk production to 28.4 million tons by 2031 to achieve self-sufficiency, compared with an annual output of around 4 million tons through 2023.

In the interim, Ethiopia continues to rely on imports to bridge supply gaps in dairy and other animal protein sources. Trade Map data show that Ethiopia imported about $8.1 million of meat and edible offal in 2024, $11.9 million of dairy products, and $8.2 million of live animals.

A New Step for Brazil in African Markets

For Brasília, access to the Ethiopian market creates an opportunity to strengthen its role in supplying animal protein to Africa, where Brazil’s industry already plays a leading role.

According to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), Brazil exported 965,699 tons of chicken meat to 44 African countries in 2024. This volume increased by 18.25% year on year and rose by 74% compared with 2020, confirming the growing presence of Brazilian products in African consumption.

In addition, ABPA reported exports of 106,392 tons of pork to 22 African countries, 21,064 tons of turkey meat to 20 countries, and 791 tons of eggs to 12 countries in 2024. In this context, Ethiopia’s market opening provides an additional lever to consolidate Brazil’s expansion across the continent.

This article was initially published in French by Stéphanas Assocle

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum