Saturday 18 Oct 2025 {HMC} Somalia is rapidly benefiting from the changing global livestock markets, with the country’s livestock exports reaching a historic high, expected to exceed $1 billion by 2025, according to new data from the Ministry of Livestock.
According to the Director of the Ministry’s Animal Health Department, Qasim Abdi Moallim, the growth in Somalia’s livestock exports is largely due to two strategic factors: the ongoing crisis in Sudan and the decline in livestock exports to Australia.
“Sudan, which was once a major livestock exporter, is now facing civil war. On the other hand, Australia, which was a major supplier of livestock to the Gulf countries, has gradually reduced its exports. Both of these factors have opened up new markets and economic opportunities for us,” said Qasim Abdi Moallim.
He added that Somalia has good access to key markets such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which has made it easier to quickly deliver livestock and meet market demand.
Government data shows that Somalia exported livestock worth $974 million in 2024, compared to $523 million in 2021. 2025 is expected to be the highest year in terms of livestock export earnings.
Between 2021 and 2024, Somalia exported livestock worth $2.9 billion, demonstrating how important livestock is to the country’s economy and can continue to be the backbone of economic development and job creation in the country.
