From Farm to Fur: Africa’s Pet Food Revolution is Here
Over the last decade, Africa has witnessed a substantial transformation in its pet food production industry emerging as a focal point of growth and innovation. Driven by rapid urbanization, a burgeoning middle class, the continent is transitioning from a net importer of pet food to an increasingly self-reliant producer and, in some regions, an exporter. This evolution presents significant implications for agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and trade ecosystems across Africa.
A research shows Middle East and Africa pet food market is expected to reach approximately USD 7.85 billion by 2029, growing from around USD 5.5 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period (2024–2029).
The global pet food market is projected to experience significant growth, driven by increasing pet ownership and rising awareness of pet health and nutrition. The market, valued at USD 103.3 billion in 2023, is expected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2024 to 2030, reaching an estimated USD 193.65 billion by 2032
Historically, much of Africa’s pet food was imported from Europe and North America, particularly premium dry and wet food for cats and dogs. However, high import tariffs, foreign exchange constraints, and logistical disruptions exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have incentivized domestic production.
Local manufacturing is on the rise, with countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana leading the charge. South African manufacturers such as Montego Pet Nutrition and Martin & Martin have expanded production capacity to meet both domestic and regional demand. Montego, for instance, opened a R70 million (approx. USD 3.7 million) production facility in 2021, enabling a threefold increase in output.
In Kenya, pet food producers are utilizing agricultural by-products such as meat offcuts, maize, and fishmeal to produce cost-effective yet nutritionally balanced pet diets. This vertical integration has a two-fold benefit: it supports local farmers and processors by creating additional demand for agricultural residues, and it reduces reliance on costly imported ingredients. A great example is Loop Pet Foodsa Nairobi-based premium pet nutrition brand transforming Africa’s agricultural bounty into high-quality, sustainable pet food products leveraging local supply chains, climate-smart processing methods, and circular economy principles to meet the growing demand for pet food across Africa and international markets.
Investment flows into the sector are also accelerating while regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is also enhancing the sector’s export potential. Despite these advances, the sector faces persistent challenges. Key constraints include limited access to specialized veterinary nutritionists, high costs of packaging materials, inconsistent enforcement of food safety regulations, and underdeveloped cold-chain logistics for wet pet food variants.
Africa’s pet food industry is at a pivotal juncture. With increasing investments, regulatory maturation, and a shift towards locally sourced, nutritionally formulated products, the continent is poised to become a self-sustaining and innovative player in the global pet care landscape. If current trends continue, Africa could not only satisfy growing internal demand but also emerge as an exporter of affordable and sustainable pet nutrition solutions to global markets.
As agriculture, processing, and retail align more closely from farm to fur, Africa’s pet food revolution is not just a sectoral development, but a broader story of economic diversification and consumer evolution.