Zambia’s Beef Export: Unlocking a $1 Billion Livestock Industry

Zambia has taken a historic step toward economic diversification and rural transformation with the launch of its first official beef export to the SADC region, specifically the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This achievement marks a major milestone in President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision to transform Zambia’s economy from potential to productivity, positioning agriculture, livestock, and fisheries as engines of job creation, export growth, and national prosperity.

It also signals tangible progress under one of the Seven Presidential Priorities, closely monitored by the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) through the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MFL), and the Zambia Beef Export Project (ZBEP).

“The export represents an opportunity for every farmer, every trader, and every community that has believed in Zambia’s potential. We are turning that potential into prosperity,” said President Hakainde Hichilema when announcing the milestone at the official opening of the Southern Province Investment and Trade Exposition in Livingstone on 14th October 2025.

A Strong Policy and Regulatory Foundation

The export programme is anchored in a solid policy and regulatory framework under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. The Livestock Development Policy, backed by the Animal Health Act, Food Safety Standards, and the Animal Identification and Traceability Act (AIT), ensures Zambia’s beef exports meet the highest international standards.

Zambia is now exporting beef to the DRC: the first step in building a $1 billion industry.

The veterinary department guarantees disease-free beef through certified Animal Disease-Free Compartments (ADFCs). Each compartment is supported by approved veterinary laboratories, including the National Livestock Epidemiology and Information Centre (NALEIC) and private-sector partners that monitor animal health before export.

“The systems guarantee quality assurance and biosecurity, giving our trading partners full confidence in the safety of Zambia’s beef,” said Dr Misheck Mulumba, Project Manager, Zambia Beef Exports.

How the Beef Export Model Works

The Beef Export Project aims to commercialise livestock production by linking smallholder farmers to the system through certified compartments that meet export standards for disease control, processing, and packaging.

Farmers in the compartments supply cattle quarantined for at least one month before processing in export-compliant abattoirs. Under the model:

·       Farmers supply cattle through certified compartments.

·       Veterinary officers provide animal health and certification.

·       Transporters and processors maintain cold-chain logistics.

·       The Ministry issues export permits and certifications.

·       PDU tracks delivery milestones and unblocks bottlenecks.

Where IS the Project Taking Place?

The first phase of implementation is operational in five certified compartments: Chikankata, Chipata, Chisamba, Mumbwa, and Namwala. On 15 October 2025, the first batch of 55 animals from smallholder farmers in Namwala ADFC was slaughtered for export to the DRC.

Any farmer who agrees to comply with the ADFC conditions may participate.

Who is Participating?

Participation in the project is voluntary and inclusive, and any farmer who agrees to comply with the ADFC conditions may participate. The system will consolidate livestock from farmers to ensure compliance with veterinary and traceability standards and facilitate access to export markets, ensuring that every Zambian farmer benefits.

“We are pleased to be chosen as one of the suppliers for beef export to the DRC. The competitive prices offered will significantly improve livelihoods in our community,” said Kelvin Puuka, a Namwala farmer.

Economic and Social Impact

The initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs across the value chain, from feed producers and transporters to abattoir workers and exporters. It will boost GDP, raise foreign-exchange earnings, and strengthen rural livelihoods by integrating smallholder farmers into formal, profitable export markets.

“The livestock value chain is about jobs, dignity, and shared prosperity. Every animal sold and every kilogram exported translates into income for a rural household,” said Ms Kusobile Kamwambi, Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit.

A Phased Path to a US$1 Billion Industry

The phased approach allows Zambia to grow systematically while maintaining compliance with international sanitary standards. Lessons learned from the first compartments will inform national scale-up as the country targets US$1 billion in livestock exports by 2031. Zambia will initially start with five beef compartments and scale up to more compartments in the next few months.

A New Chapter for Zambia’s Livestock Sector

The launch of Zambia’s first beef export is more than an economic event; it is a national milestone of delivery in action. From our pastures to the tables of the region, Zambia is exporting not only beef, but a story of discipline, innovation, and progress.

“The journey has begun. From our pastures to the world’s tables, Zambia is exporting not just beef, but a vision of national progress,” said Ms Kamwambi.