Nearly one in six of Africa’s goats are in Nigeria, the continent’s leader since 1998

  • Africa’s goat population grew from 94 million in 1961 to 522 million in 2023 — more than a fivefold increase.
  • The continent’s share of the world’s goats rose from 27% in 1961 to 46% in 2023.
  • Nigeria leads with nearly 89 million goats in 2023, holding the top spot since 1998.
  • Ethiopia, Chad, Sudan, Niger, and Mali consistently rank among the largest goat producers.
  • Around 70% of Africa’s goats are concentrated in the top ten countries each year.

Africa’s goat population has expanded more than fivefold, from an estimated 94 million in 1961 to 522 million in 2023. Over the same period, the continent’s global share rose from 27% to 46% — meaning nearly one in two goats worldwide is now raised in Africa.

Within the continent, goat keeping is highly concentrated. About 70% of Africa’s goats are found in just ten countries.

Nigeria leads with nearly 89 million goats, almost one in six of the continental total, and has remained the herd leader since 1998.

Other long-time major producers include Chad, Sudan, Niger, and Mali. Meanwhile, smaller countries such as Malawi, Sierra Leone, and Burundi have grown their herds rapidly since 2000, while Egypt and South Africa have seen gradual declines.

Source:

Food and Agriculture organization of the UN

Period:

1961-2023
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