Eswatini faces 3,000-tonne beef supply gap

Eswatini produced approximately 16,000 metric tonnes of beef in 2024, but consumed around 19,000 metric tonnes, resulting in a 3,000-tonne gap, according to the Eswatini Competition Commission (ESCC). The commission's Beef Value Chain Market Inquiry Report stated that imports of about 2,000 metric tonnes helped reduce the deficit but were insufficient to meet domestic demand. This gap has significant implications for the country's food security and rural livelihoods.

The ESCC report identified low productivity levels, limited investment in production capacity, and innovation as factors affecting the sector's competitiveness. More than 90% of cattle slaughtered through formal channels come from the communal production system, which faces constraints such as overstocking, poor grazing management, and vulnerability to drought. These challenges impact the consistency and quality of cattle supplied to the market.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates annual beef demand at 19,094 tonnes and supply at 16,352 tonnes, leaving a gap of 2,741 tonnes. The FAO also reports that imports stood at approximately 2,014 tonnes. The ESCC described the industry as "operational but characterised by underlying structural weaknesses."

The foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in May 2025 disrupted beef exports and complicated Eswatini's efforts to access lucrative international markets. The European Union suspended Eswatini's authorisation to export fresh beef and game meat, effective June 14, 2025. As a result, Eswatini exported only 371 tonnes of beef to Norway against an available quota of 1,000 tonnes in 2024.

The ESCC report suggests that increasing the national herd alone may not be enough to close the gap; improvements in productivity, breeding, animal nutrition, and investment in production capacity are also necessary. The ministry of agriculture identifies food self-sufficiency and sustainable agricultural productivity as key priorities in its strategic direction.

Vertical integration in the beef value chain can improve efficiency and secure supply for larger businesses, but it may disadvantage independent farmers and smaller operators. The ESCC recommends monitoring this practice to ensure that independent participants are not unfairly disadvantaged. The report highlights the need for interventions that strengthen local production and improve the efficiency of the beef value chain.

The supply deficit has implications for consumers and businesses, as limited domestic availability can increase reliance on imports. The ESCC report places the challenge beyond competition between individual businesses, highlighting wider production and market constraints that affect the country's ability to meet its own demand. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) confirmed that Eswatini's FMD-free status without vaccination was suspended from May 12, 2025.

Key points

• The country's beef supply gap stands at 3,000 tonnes due to low production and high consumption.
• The foot-and-mouth disease outbreak disrupted beef exports and complicated Eswatini's efforts to access international markets.
• Improving productivity, breeding, animal nutrition, and investment in production capacity are crucial to closing the beef supply gap.