Mozambique’s poultry industry is experiencing a period of robust expansion, moving the nation closer to self-sufficiency in the protein sector. According to figures shared by Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Fisheries Roberto Albino, the industry produced nearly 100,000 tonnes of chicken meat and over 23 million dozen eggs in the first nine months of the year. This growth underscores the country’s increasing capacity to satisfy domestic demand and curtail its reliance on costly imported products.
The poultry segment has emerged as one of the fastest-growing components of Mozambique’s livestock sector, a development substantially supported by government-backed initiatives designed to stimulate local production and investment. Authorities have strategically introduced programs focused on improving farmer access to modern equipment, essential feed, and vital hatchery facilities, concurrently working to boost smallholder participation throughout the poultry value chain. This strategic approach aims to professionalise and decentralise production.
To further anchor this growth, the government has extended incentives to private investors for the establishment of critical infrastructure, including feed mills, incubators, and slaughterhouses. This move has been instrumental in raising the engagement of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the national supply chain. A positive spillover effect is being seen in crop agriculture, as feed producers are now sourcing more maize and soybeans locally, which strengthens agro-industrial linkages and lessens dependency on imported inputs.
Building on a strong foundation from the previous year, which saw an output of approximately 135,000 tonnes of chicken meat and about 30 million dozen eggs, Minister Albino stated that the country is nearing its goal of poultry self-sufficiency. Imports now account for less than one-fifth of total chicken consumption. Ministry data supports this trend, showing that chicken meat imports stood at about 21,800 tonnes and eggs at 5.4 million dozen between January and September—a notable decline from previous years. This indicates that local producers are effectively meeting consumer demand with competitively priced, domestically sourced poultry products.
Despite these significant gains, the industry continues to grapple with challenges concerning the consistent supply of quality feed ingredients and day-old chicks across all regions. National Director of Livestock, Rafael Estevão, highlighted that a substantial volume of raw materials for animal feed, particularly maize and soybeans, must still be imported. This reliance on foreign inputs directly elevates production costs, consequently restraining the price and volume competitiveness of local farmers. Nevertheless, the sector’s expansion remains a key driver for job creation, supports rural enterprises, and generates valuable opportunities for youth and women in the agribusiness landscape, fueling the growth of SMEs in processing, packaging, and distribution.
