MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Somalia is emerging as a global livestock export powerhouse, as the country’s livestock trade reached record levels in 2024 and is on track to surpass $1 billion in export revenue by 2025, according to the Ministry of Livestock, Forestry and Range.
Speaking to the press this week, Qasim Abdi Maallim, Director of the Animal Health Department at the Ministry, attributed the sharp increase in exports to a combination of global supply disruptions and Somalia’s strategic advantages in the livestock market.
Two major factors are reshaping global demand: the civil conflict in Sudan and the decline in Australia’s live animal exports, particularly to Gulf countries.
“Sudan, which was historically one of the major exporters of livestock in the region, has been crippled by ongoing civil war, which has disrupted its export capacity,” Maallim explained. “Meanwhile, Australia—once a top supplier of live animals to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—has scaled back its livestock exports due to regulatory changes, animal welfare concerns, and shifting domestic priorities. These developments have opened significant new market opportunities for Somalia.”
Geographic and Economic Advantage
Somalia’s geographic proximity to key markets in the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, gives it a logistical edge over competitors.
The country is able to transport livestock quickly and cost-effectively, ensuring that animals arrive in optimal condition—a key requirement for religious festivals such as Hajj, during which the demand for healthy, live animals dramatically increases.
Maallim emphasized that Somalia’s ability to meet the health, safety, and transportation standards required by international buyers has improved in recent years due to investments in veterinary services, quarantine facilities, and infrastructure development.
Impressive Growth Figures
According to official government data, Somalia exported $974 million worth of livestock in 2024, a significant increase from $523 million in 2021. This represents an 86% increase in just three years, underscoring the rapid growth of the sector.
Between 2021 and 2024, the total value of Somalia’s livestock exports reached approximately $2.9 billion, making the livestock sector the largest source of foreign exchange earnings in the country—far exceeding remittances and other agricultural exports.
If current trends continue, 2025 is projected to be a historic year, with export revenue exceeding $1 billion for the first time in Somalia’s history.
Livestock as the Backbone of Somalia’s Economy
Livestock has long been the cornerstone of Somalia’s economy, supporting up to 60% of the population either directly or indirectly.
The sector provides employment, food security, and trade opportunities, particularly in rural areas where alternative income sources are limited.
With increased international demand, improved animal health standards, and better export logistics, the government sees the livestock industry not only as a driver of economic growth but also as a path toward poverty reduction and job creation.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the impressive figures, challenges remain. Livestock producers continue to face obstacles such as climate-related droughts, insecurity in some regions, and limited access to financing.
Government officials and international partners are working to mitigate these risks through investments in sustainable grazing practices, disease control programs, and export certification systems.
The Ministry of Livestock, Forestry and Range has also indicated plans to expand market access beyond the Gulf, including to North Africa and Southeast Asia, by negotiating trade agreements and improving livestock health monitoring.
Somalia’s growing role in the global livestock market is a clear indication of how geopolitical shifts and strategic national planning can align to create economic opportunities.
As the country edges closer to the $1 billion milestone in livestock exports, it reaffirms the sector’s central role in national development—and the potential of Somalia to become a dominant force in global agricultural trade.