The livestock sector of Sudan plays an important role in the country’s economy. Whether it’s food security or the large amount of foreign exchange from exports, the livestock sector has been a reliable source for many countries, like Sudan. And it goes even further than that. It provides fuel and job opportunities, supporting the local community and increasing Sudan’s GDP from 16.9% in 2011 to 19.4% in 2016. 

But here’s what’s even more impressive: at least 26 million Sudanese depend on this sector, especially in rural areas. Recent estimates by USAID show that Sudan is one of the top three African countries for livestock production. Investing in Sudan’s livestock sector offers many opportunities. The country has around 105.6 million livestock, and with growing demand, investors can benefit from the sector. They can help grow the industry and contribute to the country’s economy. 

This blog will discuss the livestock sector of Sudan and its importance in business.

The livestock sector of Sudan provides food security, fuel, and job opportunities, supporting the local community.

Sudan’s livestock sector offers many investment opportunities like infrastructure improvement, animal healthcare, meat processing, 

With proper strategy and investment, Sudan’s livestock sector has the potential to grow in local and international markets.

Sudan had 40.896 million sheep, 31.489 million cattle, 32.032 million goats, and 4.895 million camels in 2019. There are many ways Sudan benefits from the livestock sector. 

• The livestock sector produces milk and eggs, which can be prepared throughout the year. The sector provides nutrients and ensures food security. The sector also uses agro-industrial by-products and waste and converts them to high-quality human food.

• It is a major means of transport. It supports crop production and processing and provides fertilizer and fuel. It helps produce crops when it’s difficult and provides draught power. It helps with poor crop yields or crop failures, which is an important part of managing risk. 

• The livestock industry produces manure for soil fertilization and fuel. This aids in sustainable nutrient cycling and maintains soil fertility and structure. The sector supplies drought power essential for crop production in many areas. It keeps Sudan’s soil healthy and fertile and helps control bushes and weeds in many areas, protecting the environment.

• The livestock sector provides direct or indirect income as it produces milk, meat, eggs, and wool. It also helps reduce poverty by providing job opportunities and protecting the environment. As livestock usually increase in value, they also provide more income in times of need. In 2016, meat production increased from around 1,250,000 tons in 2011 to 1,500,000 tons. The sector offers livelihood for at least 26 million Sudanese, especially in rural areas.

• The livestock sector plays a critical role in the country’s export business. The animal sector exports generate almost 50% of all agricultural exports and nearly 30% of non-oil exports. From 2013 to 2019, most livestock exports were live sheep (66%). It also includes live camels (16.7%), hides and skins (8.2%), meat (5%), live cattle and goats (2.9%), and other products. In 2017, Sudan exported $833.9 million worth of live animals. However, it only exported $61.1 million worth of meat.

Sudan’s livestock offers many opportunities for investment. Before jumping in, investors should consider the pros and cons of a business. From exporting live animals to processed meat, the sector has been beneficial throughout the country. 

The Ministry of Animal Resources of Sudan highlights the importance of the livestock sector in the economy. The ministry aims to develop the industry and has taken many steps towards this. Initiatives include increasing production, productivity, and exports of livestock. They are also working to substitute imports of livestock products.

Now let’s discuss how investors can participate in the business of this lucrative sector!

1. Improving the infrastructure of the Domestic livestock market: The livestock sector is very competitive in the local market. Meat products that are locally produced and processed are usually affordable in Sudan. A steady supply of livestock and low input costs help with that. However, the quality and supply of livestock are low because of poor practices. Investors can invest in improving infrastructure, like meat processing and packaging.

2. Investment in animal healthcare: Veterinary services and animal healthcare facilities are important in the livestock sector. This will improve the overall health and productivity of livestock. Investors can provide vaccinations, disease management, and preventive healthcare measures to reduce mortality rates. This will also improve the efficiency of the livestock industry. Investment in improving livestock breeds through selective breeding programs can improve productivity, disease resistance, and meat and milk yields.  It will also help meet domestic demand and support export potential.
3. Capitalizing on retailing and meat processing: As the demand for quality meat increases, the livestock sector offers many short—to medium-term investment opportunities. Investors can capitalize on retailing and meat processing. Slaughterhouses and cold chain facilities help fulfill the local demand.
4. Improving services along the livestock pastoral route: Investors can also focus on improving services along the livestock pastoral route in North Kordofan. This includes warehouses, storage anchors, mobile vet clinics, and so on. The estimated capital needed for improving these services is around US$5 million. Developing local feed mills that produce high-protein, balanced feed can reduce the dependency on imports and improve the quality of livestock products.
5. Creating jobs and business opportunities: The livestock sector directly or indirectly employs 40% of the population. Investments in the domestic meat supply chain create jobs and business opportunities for local communities. The industry includes supply chain, feed production and distribution, veterinary services, slaughterhouses, and cold supply chain. Investing in the domestic meat supply chain will enhance household protein intake and nutritional health, offering great opportunities for commercial livestock farms, exports of surplus livestock, and value-added processing of meat. However, the potential of this sector is yet to flourish. Investors can promote and develop this aspect while growing their business as well.
6. Investing in Animal-based food products: Despite its importance, the large number of livestock is considered a natural resource rather than an economic resource in Sudan. It is also worth noting that animal-based food products are becoming popular around the world. It is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the food industry in Africa. This creates a major demand-side opportunity for Sudan’s livestock processing sector. Sudan has the potential to identify policies and technical support to open the door for various business opportunities in its livestock (meat) processing sector. Sudan has yet to tap into the potential meat export markets in African countries such as Algeria, Angola, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria. Currently, the country has prospects to take a sizable share of these markets. However, it can also maximize its livestock exports to other countries like Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf countries.
7. Investing in processed meat to ensure export quality standards: Sudan’s processed meat in international markets can be another way to rebrand the country’s livestock sector. Currently, the market is low due to quality issues. Many countries even imposed import bans on Sudanese processed meat products because of noncompliance with SPS standards. The export market of processed meat fluctuates despite Sudan being one of the major exporters of live animals. The country is facing difficulties to compete with other suppliers in exporting processed meat to the Gulf region. Investors can work together to improve the scenario, including the lack of zonal freedom from diseases and the shortage of integrated slaughterhouses. They can provide modern export facilities, ensure export quality standards, and can help with more certified exporters of processed meat in Sudan. Investment in export-oriented livestock farms, marketing strategies, and export logistics infrastructure can help increase Sudan’s share in international markets.
8. Improving animal traceability and quality certification: The processed meat sector has been facing many challenges due to the poor quality of slaughterhouses, logistics, and meat produced in the country. Investors can step into the sector and improve animal traceability and quality certification. They can establish slaughterhouses according to international standards, set up new processing facilities, and develop cold chain infrastructure. This will promote processed meat exports in the medium and long term.
9. Entrepreneurial opportunities: Investing in the export value chain will greatly impact the livestock sector. In addition to creating direct and indirect specialized and skilled jobs, this will also create entrepreneurial opportunities. For example, entrepreneurs will have business opportunities in the livestock inputs supply chain, commercial livestock farming, animal husbandry, road infrastructure, integrated cold supply chain and slaughterhouses, meat processing, and quality control and assurance for export markets.

10. Sustainable Farming Practices: As the importance of sustainability grows, investors have an opportunity to invest in environmentally friendly and climate-resilient livestock farming practices.  The livestock sector is also an important source of livelihood. Implementing rotational grazing, sustainable feed practices, and integrated farming systems can enhance productivity while conserving natural resources.

Sudan’s livestock industry offers great opportunities for growth and development. If you are an investor looking for an opportunity to grow your business as well as help the community, the livestock sector of Sudan can be a great option for you. Investment in this sector can unlock the full potential of this important part of the economy. 

With strategic investments in breeding, feed production, animal health, processing, and infrastructure, the sector can make great progress. Focusing on sustainability will also help ensure long-term success and growth. The livestock sector of Sudan has the potential for growth in local and international markets with a proper strategy and investment. So don’t wait! Engage and help contribute to economic growth, and job creation, and ensure the food security of Sudan.