Broadly stable
Africa Meat Production per Capita moved from 16.00 Kilogram in 2015 to 15.98 Kilogram in 2024 (−0.2%), an average of −0% a year. The series high was 16.01 Kilogram in 2021 and the low 15.45 Kilogram in 2016.
What Africa Meat Production per Capita shows
Africa Meat Production per Capita was 15.98 Kilogram in 2024, up 2.2% on 2023. Africa’s meat production per capita showed a gradual and relatively stable growth trend between 2015 and 2024, reflecting improvements in livestock production, increasing demand for animal protein, agricultural development initiatives, and efforts to strengthen food supply systems.
A 3.5% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2021) and low (2016) is 0.560 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was −3.4% in 2016.
South Africa leads the region
Within Africa, South Africa has the highest value in 2024 at 56.65 Kilogram.
Country ranking
Meat Production per Capita by country, 2024
Kilogram. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
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| Rank↕ | Country↕ | Share of top | Kilogram↕ | vs 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 56.65 | +3.2% | |
| 2 | Egypt | 29.03 | +11.5% | |
| 3 | Nigeria | 7.22 | −0.7% |
By region
Meat Production per Capita by region
Kilogram, 2024. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
Africa Meat Production per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 15.98 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | 15.64 | −0.1% |
| 2022 | 15.66 | −2.2% |
| 2021Peak | 16.01 | +1.2% |
| 2020 | 15.83 | +0.3% |
| 2019 | 15.78 | +0.5% |
| 2018 | 15.70 | +1% |
| 2017 | 15.54 | +0.6% |
| 2016 Trough | 15.45 | −3.4% |
| 2015 | 16.00 | — |
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Meat Production per Capita — Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual quantity of total meat produced by a country or region divided by its population, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average domestic meat production availability per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and changes in food supply systems. The data covers total meat production, including major livestock and animal-based meat categories, and is presented as a per capita measurement to enable comparison across countries and regions of different population sizes.
The data includes total meat production from livestock and animal sources as classified in the global food production dataset. It covers major meat categories such as beef, pork, poultry, and other animal meats included within the total meat production calculation. The indicator incorporates annual production estimates converted into per capita values using population data, allowing analysis of production trends, growth patterns, and differences in livestock sector development across countries. The dataset provides historical time-series information and supports evaluation of agricultural output, food security conditions, and production efficiency.
The data excludes meat imports, exports, domestic consumption levels, and trade-related activities, as it measures production only. It does not represent actual meat availability or consumption per person, as differences may occur due to international trade, storage, processing losses, and supply chain factors. The indicator also does not measure livestock quality, production costs, environmental impacts, or nutritional consumption patterns. Values may differ from other sources due to variations in estimation methods, production reporting standards, and population data used for per capita calculations.
About this indicator
Meat Production per Capita — Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual quantity of total meat produced by a country or region divided by its population, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average domestic meat production availability per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and changes in food supply systems. The data covers total meat production, including major livestock and animal-based meat categories, and is presented as a per capita measurement to enable comparison across countries and regions of different population sizes.
The data indicates that meat production per capita increased from 16.00 kilograms in 2015 to 15.98 kilograms in 2024, with fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The indicator provides insights into Africa’s livestock sector performance, production capacity, and regional food security conditions.
During the period from 2015 to 2019, Africa’s meat production per capita remained mostly stable, changing from 16.00 kilograms in 2015 to 15.78 kilograms in 2019. Egypt and South Africa were among the major contributors to regional meat production, supported by established livestock systems and agricultural infrastructure. Nigeria recorded lower production levels, reflecting challenges related to livestock productivity, resources, and production capacity.
Between 2020 and 2022, Africa experienced noticeable changes in meat production per capita. Production increased from 15.83 kilograms in 2020 to 16.01 kilograms in 2021, supported by recovery in agricultural activities and improvements in livestock output. However, production declined slightly to 15.66 kilograms in 2022 due to supply challenges, market adjustments, and changing production conditions.
From 2023 to 2024, Africa’s meat production per capita remained relatively stable, increasing marginally from 15.64 kilograms to 15.98 kilograms. Egypt recorded significant improvement, reaching 29.03 kilograms in 2024, while South Africa maintained a higher production level compared with other selected countries. Nigeria showed limited variation, indicating slower growth within its meat production sector.
Overall, Africa’s meat production per capita trends highlight the region’s developing livestock industry and the importance of improving production efficiency, animal health management, and sustainable farming practices. The indicator provides valuable insights into agricultural performance, food supply resilience, and future growth opportunities within Africa’s meat sector.
- Indicator
- Meat Production per Capita
- Region
- Africa
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2024, annual
- Category
- Retail & Consumer
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is Africa Meat Production per Capita?
Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual quantity of total meat produced by a country or region divided by its population, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average domestic meat production availability per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and changes in food supply systems. The data covers total meat production, including major livestock and animal-based meat categories, and is presented as a per capita measurement to enable comparison across countries and regions of different population sizes.
What was Africa Meat Production per Capita in 2024?
Africa Meat Production per Capita was 15.98 Kilogram in 2024, up 2.2% on 2023.
How has Africa Meat Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2024?
Africa Meat Production per Capita moved from 16.00 Kilogram in 2015 to 15.98 Kilogram in 2024 (−0.2%), an average of −0% a year. The series high was 16.01 Kilogram in 2021 and the low 15.45 Kilogram in 2016.
Which year had the highest and lowest Africa Meat Production per Capita?
The highest value was 16.01 Kilogram in 2021 and the lowest was 15.45 Kilogram in 2016.
What does the Africa Meat Production per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes total meat production from livestock and animal sources as classified in the global food production dataset. It covers major meat categories such as beef, pork, poultry, and other animal meats included within the total meat production calculation. The indicator incorporates annual production estimates converted into per capita values using population data, allowing analysis of production trends, growth patterns, and differences in livestock sector development across countries. The dataset provides historical time-series information and supports evaluation of agricultural output, food security conditions, and production efficiency. Excluded: The data excludes meat imports, exports, domestic consumption levels, and trade-related activities, as it measures production only. It does not represent actual meat availability or consumption per person, as differences may occur due to international trade, storage, processing losses, and supply chain factors. The indicator also does not measure livestock quality, production costs, environmental impacts, or nutritional consumption patterns. Values may differ from other sources due to variations in estimation methods, production reporting standards, and population data used for per capita calculations.
Where does the Africa Meat Production per Capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..latest&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Meat%2C+total&Metric=Production&Per+capita=true). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Kilogram.
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