Southern Africa’s poultry revolution strengthened by collective action

IN SOUTHERN Africa, the poultry sector holds enormous promise.

- JEAN JACQUES MBONIGABA MUHINDA

WITH the right partnerships, policies, and investment, the region can transform poultry into a driver of food security, jobs, and inclusive economic growth, says the writer.

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As one of the region's fastest-growing agricultural industries, poultry offers a pathway to enhanced food security, job creation, and rural development. The sector is also central to Africa's ambition of achieving self-sufficiency in affordable animal protein that supports healthier and more food-secure communities.According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), poultry is the most widely consumed and affordable source of meat in Africa, with demand expected to increase by nearly 200% by 2050 as populations grow and incomes rise. Yet, despite this promise, the sector’s potential has been constrained by fragmented policy environments, high input costs, weak value chains, and limited access to finance.

When countries work in isolation, differing policies, standards, and trade regulations across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) limit cross-border commerce, discourage private investment, and increase production costs. Isolation also weakens resilience and innovation. Feed, vaccines, and expertise already move regionally, but without coordination, countries compete instead of collaborating.

This fragmentation restricts smallholder farmers, hinders disease response, and prevents the region from realising its full potential.