Brazil expands poultry exports to Africa

Africa is among the main markets for Brazilian chicken meat exports, along with the Middle East and Asia. Brazil continues to seek new commercial opportunities and access to new markets for its poultry products on the continent.

Sudan authorizes Brazilian agropastoral imports

According to a joint statement published on October 21 by Brazil's ministries of Agriculture and Foreign Affairs, Sudanese health authorities have authorized the importation of new Brazilian agropastoral products, including day-old chicks, fertile eggs for incubation, meats, poultry products, and offal. This authorization is part of a series of market openings achieved by Brazil in Africa in 2026 for various poultry products.

Southern and East African countries open markets

In Southern Africa, Namibia has authorized, on September 1, the importation of Brazilian poultry offal, according to Brazilian authorities. A bit earlier, in East Africa, Ethiopia had also authorized, on April 7, the importation of 17 Brazilian products, including poultry meat, meat products, and offal.

Africa's growing demand for Brazilian chicken

According to the Brazilian Association of Animal Proteins (ABPA), African countries imported 1.16 million tons of Brazilian chicken in 2025, representing a 20.3 percent increase year-on-year. This was the first time that the continent's purchases exceeded the one-million-ton threshold.

Export growth over five years

While Brazilian chicken meat exports to Africa amounted to only 662,323 tons in 2021, they rose to 721,756 tons in 2022, then to 816,611 tons in 2023 before reaching 965,699 tons in 2024. Overall, African imports of Brazilian chicken have increased by 75.67 percent over the past five years.

South Africa remains Brazil's top African market

South Africa remains Brazil's main African market, while Angola, Libya, Ghana, Guinea, and the Congo are also among its important markets.

Trade tensions with the European Union

The search for new markets in Africa also takes place in a context of trade tensions with the European Union (EU). In May 2026, Brussels decided to remove Brazil from the list of countries authorized to export certain animal-origin products to the European market, including poultry meat.

EU restrictions may push Brazil to Africa

The measure took effect on September 3, amid concerns about sanitary guarantees regarding the use of antimicrobials in livestock farming. In its report published on September 14 on the outlook for the European poultry market, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimated that this restriction could encourage Brazilian exporters to seek more alternative markets, particularly African markets traditionally supplied by the EU.

European market outlook uncertain

Although the European Commission announced on October 21 its intention to propose the reinstatement of access for Brazilian poultry to the European market, this proposal still needs to go through the required approval process. Thus, uncertainty remains regarding which markets Brazilian exporters will prioritize in 2027.

Africa as a strategic interest

In this context, Africa remains a strategic interest for the Brazilian sector. The market openings achieved in 2026 expand commercial opportunities on the continent, although their contribution to export volumes remains to be measured.

Challenges for Brazilian exporters

For Brazilian suppliers, the challenge will be to consolidate their presence in Africa while adapting to the evolution of market access conditions.