Egypt to Import Livestock From Somalia, Djibouti Amid Souring Meat Prices

GOOBJOOG NEWS | CAIRO: Egypt will import large quantities of live sheep and goats from Somalia and Djibouti to curb rising prices and shortage, the head of the country’s African Livestock Importers Association Ahmed Hafez has said.

Hafez said the move aims to balance domestic market prices and ensure meat availability, especially ahead of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan when consumption typically rises.

“The prices of goats and sheep range between EGP 200 and EGP 230 per kilogram,” Hafez said in a press release. “Local consumption of mutton and goat meat has increased significantly due to the rise in expatriates and tourists, particularly from Gulf countries.”

The increasing demand has put pressure on the local market, driving up prices, Hafez said. To address the challenge, Egyptian companies have sought sustainable solutions, including the import of livestock.

An estimated 15,000 to 25,000 head of goats and sheep will be brought into Egypt monthly through the Safaga area, where veterinary quarantines are located and equipped for immediate slaughter, he said.

Hafez emphasised that the imports will contribute to providing meat at reasonable prices and bridging the gap between local production and consumption.

Hafez further said Egypt’s annual meat consumption is about 2.5 million head, highlighting the need to address a production shortfall of at least 30%.

He called for an increase in the number of veterinary quarantines to accommodate the large quantities of imported livestock, stressing their vital role in ensuring meat quality and safety, as well as accelerating slaughter and distribution.