Togo strengthened its domestic meat production in 2025, covering 68 percent of national demand, up from 65 percent the previous year, according to the 2026 Citizens’ Budget. Authorities say the improvement reflects reduced reliance on imported animal protein and is expected to continue into 2026.
The government is targeting 70 percent self-sufficiency in the current financial year, supported by policies including tax exemptions on imported feed introduced in January 2026. The measures aim to encourage local production while promoting food sovereignty.
The livestock sector’s growth is broad-based, though the intensity varies by segment. Poultry remains the main driver, with 41.7 million birds produced in 2025, an 8 percent increase from 38.6 million in 2024. Small ruminants also posted gains. Goats rose to 6.86 million head, compared with 6.36 million a year earlier, while sheep reached 2.37 million. Growth forecasts for 2026 project increases of 8.2 percent for goats and 6.5 percent for sheep.
Cattle numbers, by contrast, were largely stable, rising just 1 percent to 487,984 head. Livestock experts note that structural gains are tied to strengthened vaccination coverage, a cornerstone of animal health security, although gaps remain.
Vaccination coverage for plague in small ruminants edged up to 65.2 percent, reflecting steady improvement. Poultry, however, saw a decline in coverage against Newcastle disease, a highly contagious viral infection, falling to 67.9 percent from 92.2 percent in 2024. Authorities warn that such disparities could affect productivity if not addressed.
Fish production, an important source of protein, showed volatility. Output reached 36,251 tonnes in 2025 but is expected to drop to 33,977 tonnes in 2026. The government is focusing on industrialization of the sector and better access to inputs to stabilize production and support overall food sovereignty objectives outlined in the Government Roadmap 2025.
“The livestock sector continues to be a pillar of Togo’s food security,” said a government official, noting that poultry and small ruminants are central to both domestic consumption and local economic activity. “With targeted support and improved health coverage, we expect further gains in production and reduced dependence on imports.”
The upward trend in meat self-sufficiency comes amid broader efforts to diversify Togo’s agricultural base, improve rural livelihoods, and reduce vulnerability to global market shocks. Tax incentives, credit support for farmers, and infrastructure investments are expected to drive production further.
While Togo still imports a portion of its meat, authorities emphasize that the gradual rise in domestic output is key to stabilizing prices and ensuring year-round availability of protein for households. Poultry, in particular, has emerged as the fastest-growing segment, feeding into both urban markets and rural consumption.
The report underscores that achieving full self-sufficiency will require sustained investment in animal health, farm management, and sectoral support, as well as industrial development in fisheries and feed production. Officials say the government is committed to these measures as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen the country’s food sovereignty.
As Togo moves toward its 2026 target of 70 percent coverage of meat needs by local production, policymakers are also seeking to ensure that production growth is sustainable, resilient, and supported by improved veterinary services and disease prevention.
