Gabon is intensifying collaboration with Senegal as it works to transform its poultry sector and cut dependence on imported chicken ahead of a proposed ban in 2027.
The initiative follows a working trip to Dakar by Gabon’s agriculture minister, Pacôme Kossy, where both sides explored areas such as technical support, skills training, and industry development.
Officials in Senegal indicated their willingness to assist Gabon in building a strong poultry industry by sharing expertise gained from developing a competitive domestic market.
Gabon’s engagement with Dakar forms part of a wider push toward food self-sufficiency. Authorities have announced plans to stop broiler chicken imports from January 2027 to encourage local production, generate employment, and reduce import expenses.
Senegal’s poultry model
Senegal is considered one of West Africa’s leading poultry producers, following its 2005 ban on imported frozen chicken, introduced during an avian influenza outbreak.
The policy, which remains in place for poultry meat, eggs, and most live birds, created room for local farmers to grow while protecting them from cheaper foreign products.
Over the years, Senegal has developed a fully integrated value chain, including hatcheries, feed mills, farming, processing, and distribution.
It also established an inter-professional organisation to bring together producers, processors, and traders, helping to improve coordination, standardise operations, and boost efficiency.
This approach has led to significant growth in output. Data show that chicken production in Senegal has increased more than fivefold since the mid-2000s, with private investment driving expansion in egg production and feed manufacturing.
Gabon faces a steep starting point
In contrast, Gabon’s poultry industry is still underdeveloped, with the country relying heavily on imports to meet demand while local production contributes only a small portion.
To address this, the government has introduced a programme aimed at training about 40,000 people across the poultry value chain, covering areas such as feed production, processing, and cold storage logistics.
Authorities believe the partnership with Senegal will speed up progress by allowing Gabonese stakeholders, including farmers and veterinarians, to learn directly from an established system.
During their visit to Dakar, the delegation toured poultry farms, training facilities, and feed production sites to gain insight into how the sector operates and is managed.
Replicating the model will not be straightforward
Experts caution that copying Senegal’s success will require substantial investment in feed production, veterinary care, financing, and infrastructure, especially as Gabon faces higher production costs and a smaller domestic market.
Nevertheless, the government sees this collaboration as a crucial step toward cutting food imports and strengthening its agricultural base.
If successfully executed, the import ban could alter poultry trade patterns across Central Africa and open up new opportunities for suppliers of feed, breeding stock, and processing equipment within the region.