Did you know a meat-loving African consumes 67kgs of this delicacy every year? So the next logical question is; which African Countries consume the most meat?
In this context, meat encompasses chicken, beef, pork, lamb, mutton, and fish. Data shows that there are 202 million chickens slaughtered daily globally meaning 140,000 chickens go down every minute. Subsequently, there are 73 billion chickens slaughtered in the world every year. Poultry is the largest-reared birds with the highest consumption across the world.
Food equals satisfaction and joy for a majority of the world’s population. An interesting insight on this subject is digging deep on where in Africa you will likely have a feast with meat.
Table of Contents
How Many Animals Does the World Eat in A Year?
Before looking into which African countries consume the most meat, here are figures of how many animals are slaughtered in a year.
Grilled chicken. Photo/Sip Bite
| Type of meat | Annual Slaughters Globally |
| Chicken | 73 billion |
| Ducks/geese | 4.5 billion |
| Pork | 1.4 billion |
| Turkey | 604 million |
| Sheep | 620 million |
| Goats | 600 million |
| Cows | 400 million |
Which African Countries Consume the Most Meat?
As mentioned earlier, the biggest meat consumers in Africa eat up to 67 kilograms of meat every year. But which are these countries in the second largest continent in Africa with such a high appetite for animal protein?
1. Gabon
Gabon succinctly leads the pack on which African countries eat the most meat. A healthy Gabonese consumes an average of 67 kgs of meat every calendar year. Gabonese cuisine, both at home and at events is historically carnivorous. Moreover, as a resource-rich nation, Gabon’s economy has relied on industries like logging, where workers require substantial protein intake, fostering a meat-centric diet.
Wild game hunting remains a sustainable practice, ensuring population control and preserving biodiversity. Thus, Gabon’s affection for meat is a culturally rooted issue. Besides, this high consumption of meat by Gabonese people is directly related to factors like the country’s oil wealth. The rich oil deposits here give the people a higher disposable income meaning they can afford to put a meat dish on the table often.
2. South Africa
South African meat. Photo/Food For Mzansi
South Africa holds the second-highest position, with an average of 60 kilograms of meat consumed per capita per year. Mzansi boasts a well-developed agricultural sector, including a strong livestock industry, contributing to its high meat availability. Additionally, South Africa has a more diverse meat consumption pattern compared to other African countries, including a significant preference for poultry.
3. Morocco
This North African nation comes third in the list of which African countries consume the most meat. A Moroccan consumes at least 35kgs for this delicacy annually. Beef, and mutton are highly consumed.
Moroccan beef Kebabs. Photo/Taste
4. Cape Verde
Fish and chicken are more common in Cape Verde with an annual 32kgs of consumption per year.
5. Namibia
Beef, poultry and pork top the consumption list of a Namibian putting it at 30kgs per person annually.
6. Tunisia
Chicken, beef, mutton and fish are widely consumed in Tunisia. As a Muslim-dominated country, pork is very uncommon. However, they enjoy at least 27kgs of meat every year per person.
7. Chad
Statistics show that Chad has a meat supply of over 26 kilograms per person.
8. Botswana
Botswana enjoys a prolific livestock industry with 24kgs per person annually. Beef is the most common type of meat consumed in this part of Southern Africa.
9. Angola
Poultry takes it home with an estimated 297,000 metric tons consumed in 2022, translating to roughly 20 kg per person annually. Chicken is generally cheaper than other meats, making it accessible to a larger portion of the population. Moreover, Angola relies heavily on imports to meet its poultry demand, with Brazil being a major source.
Which Country is the Largest Meat Producer in Africa?
Contrary to popular belief, South Africa is not Africa’s largest meat producer despite having a strong livestock industry of both beef and poultry. Ethiopia is the largest meat producer in Africa based on available data. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Ethiopia’s meat production stands at over 1.9 million metric tons.
Beef, mutton, and buffalo meat are its biggest meat exports, thanks to its population of over 110 million people.
Which Country has the Best Beef in Africa?
The best quality, full-flavoured, lean beef is produced in Botswana through the utilization of natural farming practices and free-range cattle. Cattle farming is a perfect fit for Botswana’s terrain and semi-arid, subtropical climate. Between 2.5 and 2.8 million cattle are claimed by the nation.
