Tanzania’s Meat Export Revenue Skyrockets in 2023
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania Meat Board (TMB), meat exports increased by 65.6% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year.
According to data compiled by the TMB, revenue generation increased by 110 percent between the first quarters of 2023 and 2022.
According to TMB data, the country has successfully maintained the progress it made last year when meat exports increased during the Fifa World Cup finals held in Qatar.
As per TMB, Tanzania exported 4,577.5 tonnes of meat in the first quarter of 2023, up from 2,765 tonnes in the same period of the previous year.
In addition, data indicate that export revenue increased to Sh57,3 billion in the first quarter of this year, up from Sh27.3 billion in the same period last year.
The country has also maintained and increased the value of its meat exports since November 2022, when it broke the ice by exporting 1,423,012 tonnes, an increase of 125 percent compared to the 631,76 tonnes exported the month before.
ALSO READ: Uganda: Court Schedules Hearing for alleged lesbian teacher case
According to TMB, the export volumes and revenues for the next four months (December 2022 to March 2023) are as follows: 1,496.15 tonnes (Sh15.8 billion), 1,399.80 tonnes (Sh13.7 billion), 1,596.93 tonnes (Sh14.8 billion), and 1,581 tonnes (Sh14.4 billion).
Yesterday, in an interview with The Citizen, TMB marketing manager John Chasama attributed the trend to the nation’s success in retaining already secured markets.
He listed Comoro, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia as the country’s markets.
“We are intensifying our efforts to secure new meat markets, engage youth in commercial livestock husbandry, and ensure that meat factories have access to high-quality raw materials,” he said.
In addition, he stated that the TMB is mobilizing herders to scale up livestock fattening strategies, inspecting meat production infrastructures frequently, and organizing the production of high-quality fodders for use during drought to prevent a lack of raw materials for meat factories.
“We are also improving the climate for business investment to attract new investors in the meat production chain,” he said.
The TMB report reveals that goat meat is by far the most popular export item, with a meteoric increase from 1,904.5 tonnes in 2022 to 3,264.39 tonnes in the first quarter of 2023.
The report indicates that goat meat is followed by sheep meat, beef, and chicken.
Mr. Steven Michael, director of production and marketing at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, stated that efforts are being made to improve the quality of domestically produced livestock.
He stated that 240 youths have been trained in modern livestock husbandry to ensure that Tanzania’s meat is internationally recognized for its superior quality.
ALSO READ: Tanzanians in Sudan safe: Foreign Affairs Minister
“We intend to involve financial institutions in the provision of low-interest loans to make it easier for young people to acquire capital. To facilitate their training, we will provide them with land,” he explained.
The strategy aims to fatten cattle to increase exports, as a report found that goat meat was far more popular than cattle meat.
He stated that the private sector will play a significant role in strengthening the domestic meat market and improving the quality of raw materials for both domestic and international markets.
According to data from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, the total number of cattle in Tanzania as of May 2022 was 35,3 million.
During the same period, the country was also home to a total of 25,6 million goats.
Until the end of May 2022, the country’s sheep population numbered 8.8 million, while the number of local chickens reached 92.8 million.
The TMB registrar, Dr. Daniel Mushi, stated that, due to its delicious flavor, goat meat accounts for the majority of the country’s meat exports.
Dr. Mushi stated yesterday that to protect the meat market, they will meet with meat export stakeholders and devise strategies to increase their efficiency and that of the breeders.
“We intend to visit various regions of the country, including Shinyanga, Mwanza, and Morogoro, to educate breeders on the importance of adhering to breeding principles.
During the tour, he stated, they will also develop strategies to safeguard domestic and international meat markets.
Tanzania’s Meat Export Revenue Skyrockets in 2023
HEY READER. PLEASE SUPPORT THIS SITE BY CLICKING ADS. DON’T FORGET TO HIT THE NOTIFICATION BELL FOR MORE UPDATES AROUND THE GLOBE.
