The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) has unveiled the African Pastoral Livestock Market Development (APMD) Platform, an ambitious initiative aimed at revolutionizing the continent’s livestock sector.
During the launch event, Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, described the initiative as a landmark moment in advancing sustainable livestock development in Africa. The platform seeks to harmonize livestock policies, foster trade, and significantly boost farmers’ incomes across nine African nations.
“Livestock is critical to food and nutrition security, economic growth, and trade on the continent. The launch of this platform is a bold step toward maximizing these contributions,” Dr. Salih emphasized, adding that the initiative aligns with Africa’s broader livestock development strategy. The platform aims to address pastoralists’ needs, enhance market linkages, and bolster food security.
Kenya, a key player in this initiative, is preparing to expand its livestock and meat exports to new African markets, particularly Nigeria. Christopher Wanga, Kenya’s Livestock Policy Director, highlighted the opportunities presented by Africa’s internal trade landscape.
“The African market has fewer restrictions compared to international markets, making it a prime target for Kenyan livestock products,” Wanga stated. He revealed that Kenya exported 7.3 thousand metric tons of meat valued at 4.3 billion shillings between January and July 2024. With Africa’s livestock market estimated at half a trillion shillings, the potential for growth is immense.
Alhaji Idi Muktar Maiha, Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development, reiterated his country’s commitment to the initiative. He underscored the importance of collaboration among African nations and highlighted Nigeria’s strategic reforms in the livestock sector, including the establishment of a dedicated Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The APMD Project aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s focus on transforming the livestock industry to ensure food and nutrition security,” Maiha noted. He pledged Nigeria’s institutional and technical support for the project while urging regional and international partners to invest in Africa’s livestock sector.
The APMD Project, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, prioritizes policy development, private sector integration, the empowerment of women and youth, and strengthening resilience against climate challenges.
Stakeholders stressed the importance of harmonizing livestock policies to facilitate seamless trade, reduce import dependence, and support African economies. By lowering trade barriers, the initiative aims to create a unified livestock market, enhancing livelihoods for millions of pastoralists.
“Collaboration among African nations is critical for unlocking the full potential of the livestock sector,” Wanga emphasized, urging policymakers to align regional trade standards to ensure the success of the APMD platform.
As stakeholders unite under the motto, “Empowering pastoral markets, transforming livelihoods, for a resilient Africa,” the APMD platform signals a brighter future for the continent’s livestock sector.
Pastoralists and other livestock sector players are encouraged to embrace this shift, meet emerging standards, and capitalize on the growing demand for quality livestock products within Africa.