UGANDA – Uganda has dispatched a trial shipment of 50 tonnes of beef to Egypt, signaling the first-ever export under the Egypt-Uganda Food Security Company, located in Luweero District, just north of Kampala. 

The Egypt-Uganda Food Security Company, inaugurated in 2016 and recognized as one of the continent’s largest slaughterhouses, spearheaded this initiative. 

Hishem Jahffal, the project manager, shared with the Daily Monitor that this initial shipment was a test run, following various logistical challenges that had to be overcome.

The trade between Uganda and Egypt is underpinned by three recent agreements signed by the leaders of both countries, emphasizing their commitment to strengthening economic ties in the agricultural sector. 

The successful execution of this shipment could pave the way for increased beef exports from Uganda, contributing to the diversification of its agricultural exports.

This shipment comes at a time when Egypt is expanding its meat import portfolio. 

Earlier this month, the African Livestock Importers Association announced that Egypt is set to bring in large quantities of live sheep and goats from countries such as Somalia and Djibouti. 

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to stabilize domestic meat prices and ensure adequate supply, particularly as the country prepares for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a period of heightened meat consumption.

According to Mohamed Hafez, a representative of the African Livestock Importers Association, Egypt plans to import between 15,000 to 25,000 goats and sheep monthly.

These animals are to be processed immediately upon arrival at the Safaga area, which is equipped with specialized veterinary quarantine facilities. 

Hafez further explained that the imports are essential to mitigating a domestic meat production shortfall, which currently stands at approximately 30% of the country’s total annual consumption of 2.5 million head of livestock.

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