Tanzania’s meat exports have experienced a remarkable increase, soaring from 1,774.3 tonnes in 2022 to 14,701.2 tonnes in 2023, as announced by Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Abdallah Ulega, on Monday.
Ulega attributed this growth to the government’s strategic efforts to revitalize the livestock sector, including a substantial rise in budget allocation. The budget for the livestock sector increased from Tsh32.1 billion (approximately $12.2 million) in the 2021/2022 fiscal year to Tsh112 billion (about $42.6 million) in the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
During the launch of the World Bank’s 21st Tanzania Economic Update Report in Dar es Salaam, which focuses on the livestock sector, Ulega emphasized the importance of developing critical infrastructure to enhance the transportation of livestock and related products to both domestic and international markets.
Furthermore, Ulega highlighted major legal and regulatory reforms undertaken by Tanzania to create a conducive business environment. These reforms aim to facilitate the trade of livestock and livestock products while ensuring a favorable and predictable business climate for the private sector.
According to the World Bank, Tanzania boasts a cattle population of 36.6 million, ranking second in Africa after Ethiopia.