African countries imported a total of 965,699 tons of chicken meat from Brazil in 2024, according to the 2025 annual report of the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein (ABPA). The volume represents a 18.25% increase from the previous year and confirms the growing presence of Brazilian chicken in consumer markets across the continent.
A 74% increase since 2020
Brazilian chicken shipments to Africa stood at 555,734 tons in 2020. Volumes rose to 662,323 tons in 2021 before reaching 816,611 tons in 2023. Overall, African imports of Brazilian chicken increased by 74% over five years, with average annual growth estimated at 14.81% over the period.
South Africa remains the main destination for Brazilian exporters. In 2024, the country imported 325,409 tons, accounting for about one-third of Africa’s total Brazilian chicken imports. It was followed by Libya with 10.34%, Ghana with 9.74%, Angola with 9.11%, and the Republic of the Congo with 4.98%. In total, Brazilian poultry exports reached 44 African countries during the year.
Ghana and the Republic of the Congo drive growth
Two sub-Saharan African countries stand out for the rapid rise in imports of Brazilian chicken: Ghana and the Republic of the Congo. Ghana’s purchases increased from 15,268 tons in 2020 to 94,130 tons in 2024, a sixfold increase. This surge lifted the country from fifth to third place among Brazil’s African customers, highlighting the growing role of Brazilian supply in the local market.
Imports by the Republic of the Congo more than quadrupled over the same period, rising from 11,239 tons in 2020 to 48,170 tons in 2024. Previously a marginal destination for Brazil’s poultry industry, the country has emerged as a fast-growing market.
These trends reflect the expanding footprint of Brazilian chicken in African markets that had previously played a limited role in Brazil’s export strategy.
Possible slowdown in 2025
While full export data for 2025 are not yet available for all African countries, growth may slow. On May 15, Brazil reported its first case of avian influenza in a commercial farm, triggering concerns among importing countries.
South Africa imposed a temporary ban on imports from Brazil, while Angola opted for restrictions. The extent to which this episode affected Brazil’s poultry trade with Africa over the full year will become clearer with the release of the ABPA’s 2026 annual report.
Africa is currently the third-largest market for Brazilian chicken, after Asia and the Middle East.
