The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) today launched the African Pastoral Markets Development (APMD) Platform in Nairobi, Kenya. The event, held at the Villa Rosa Kempinski, brought together regional and continental stakeholders to address critical challenges in Africa’s livestock sector.
The platform aims to modernize livestock markets, with a focus on the Horn of Africa and Sahel regions. It aims to improve livelihoods by introducing innovative business models, improving policy frameworks and promoting knowledge sharing. Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, described the initiative as transformative.
“This is a game changer for livestock farmers. It addresses market modernisation and generation of accurate data,” he said.Hon. Maiha emphasised Nigeria’s pivotal role in the sector. “With over 250 million people, Nigeria is the largest market in West Africa. Livestock from neighbouring countries often flow into our borders,” he said.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts in Nigeria to improve infrastructure. “We are working to develop grazing reserves, disease surveillance posts and veterinary services to support this vital industry,” he explained.
Dr Christopher Wanga of Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture who represented Principal Secretary, State Department of Livestock, Jonathan Mueke in absentia praised the platform’s objectives. He described it as timely and in line with Kenya’s priorities. “Our National Livestock Master Plan emphasises investment in vaccination programmes, feedlots and livestock identification systems. Accurate data is essential for targeted investments in value chains such as beef, dairy and poultry,” he noted.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, underscored the critical role livestock plays in Africa. She noted that livestock significantly contributes to food security, drives economic growth, and facilitates trade across the continent.According to Dr. Salih, the launch of the platform marks a bold step toward maximizing these contributions. She stated that the initiative aligns with Africa’s livestock development strategy and AU-IBAR’s transformative vision for the sector.She emphasized the platform’s focus on addressing pastoralists’ unique needs. It also aims to enhance market linkages and promote food security, which are vital for sustainable development.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Huyam Salih, Director of AU-IBAR, underscored the critical role livestock plays in Africa. She noted that livestock significantly contributes to food security, drives economic growth, and facilitates trade across the continent.
According to Dr. Salih, the launch of the platform marks a bold step toward maximizing these contributions. She stated that the initiative aligns with Africa’s livestock development strategy and AU-IBAR’s transformative vision for the sector.
She emphasized the platform’s focus on addressing pastoralists’ unique needs. It also aims to enhance market linkages and promote food security, which are vital for sustainable development.
The APMD platform aims to overcome barriers such as disease control, lack of infrastructure and inefficiencies in trade routes. Hon. Maiha stressed the importance of regional cooperation. “We need to create seamless livestock trade routes by improving
