Ethiopia’s Halal Meat Exports Surge to $120 Million, Driven by Gulf Demand











Ethiopia has recorded a sharp increase in earnings from halal meat and livestock by-product exports, generating $120 million in the fiscal year ending June 2025 — a 53% rise compared to the previous year, according to the Ethiopian Institute of Animal Development.

The surge was largely driven by strong demand from Gulf nations, with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates dominating the market. Together, they accounted for nearly 79% of Ethiopia’s chilled sheep and goat carcass exports. The UAE alone absorbed 51% of shipments, while Saudi Arabia took 28%.

In total, Ethiopia exported over 22,600 tonnes of halal-certified meat and animal by-products, including liver, kidneys, and other offal, all processed at export-standard abattoirs. While secondary markets such as Japan, Germany, and the U.S. purchased Ethiopian honey and beeswax, the Gulf states remained the primary destination for the country’s livestock products.

Between July 2024 and April 2025, export earnings had already surpassed $100 million — a 28% year-on-year increase — underscoring robust demand for fresh, halal-compliant meat sourced from sheep, goats, cattle, and camels.

Asrat Tera, Director General of the Institute, attributed the growth to strategic interventions, including breed enhancement, veterinary training, and widespread artificial insemination programs. These efforts led to the birth of nearly 2 million improved-breed calves in the reporting period.

Despite the progress, the sector continues to grapple with obstacles. Exporters face mounting pressure to meet international halal certification standards, while also upgrading packaging, freezing, transport, and veterinary infrastructure to stay competitive in global markets.