South Africa targets Algeria for red meat export expansion

SOUTH AFRICA – During a state visit to Algeria led by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the CEO of Beefmaster Group, Gert Blignaut, discussed potential opportunities for South Africa’s red meat industry in the North African market.

Blignaut highlighted Algeria’s increasing demand for high-quality beef and lamb, an interest mirrored in other Middle Eastern markets where South African meat has found success.

The Beefmaster Group, which was part of the delegation accompanying the President, shared data showcasing Algeria’s reliance on imported beef and lamb.

This dependence, coupled with competitive pricing and quality from South Africa, was presented as a basis for expanding export ties.

Algeria’s import reliance

Algeria, with a population of 47 million, produces insufficient beef to meet its needs.

To bridge the gap, it imports beef primarily from Brazil, India, and European nations.

The country also brings in approximately 100,000 live cattle annually from France and Spain, as well as lamb from Spain and Australia, according to trade data.

Blignaut noted that South Africa’s beef and lamb products could meet Algeria’s demands, offering quality and affordability.

South African beef exports to the Middle East and North Africa are projected to account for 58% of total beef exports in 2024, while lamb exports to the region are expected to reach 93%.

Recent trade statistics show Jordan and Kuwait as leading importers of South African red meat, purchasing 5,406 and 4,797 tonnes of beef respectively in 2023.

The UAE, Qatar, and Egypt also feature prominently among top importers.

Strengthening African trade

Blignaut stated that while South Africa already trades with Algeria, beef is not yet among the exported products.

The recent visit presents an opportunity to utilize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework to enter new markets.

In 2023, South Africa slaughtered an estimated 2.6 million cattle, producing around 740,000 tonnes of beef.

This figure is expected to increase in 2024, with beef exports projected to reach 37,000 tonnes—the highest since 2018.

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