A growth market with potential – and high expectations
Eben van Tonder, founder of Origins Global Meats, has been advising one of the largest meat processing companies in West Africa for years. His message: Those who view African markets merely as risky outlets miss out on real potential. He advocates for a relationship-based approach – combining technological expertise, local know-how, and long-term commitment. European suppliers, he says, must adapt machines and service models to the realities on the ground. Africa’s meat industry is on the rise – but only with the right infrastructure.
Women shaping the market
Marie Ene Austin-Orgah from the Lady Ranchers of Nigeria represents a movement of determined women entrepreneurs in livestock and meat processing. Their cooperative focuses on local breeds, organic practices, and direct-to-consumer distribution. Beyond meat, their ambitions include dairy and leather production – as well as international partnerships. Her appeal: Collaborate as equals, and remain open to knowledge-sharing and technology exchange.
A continent trading—with itself
Thina Nodada of Waymaker Global Trade Solutions highlights the structural transformation underway: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is reducing tariffs, strengthening regional supply chains, and creating a vast internal market. In 2023 alone, Africa imported meat worth USD 4.3 billion—a market with clear momentum. The key to success? African solutions for African markets—built on trust, collaboration, and mutual growth.
