Ethiopia has the largest cattle population in Africa, with approximately 70.3 million heads of cattle, according to World Bank data. This makes it the leading country on the continent in terms of cattle numbers. Tanzania ranks second with around 38 million cattle, as reported by Statista. Other African countries with significant cattle populations include Chad, Sudan, and Kenya.
Ethiopia’s extensive livestock sector also includes 95.4 million sheep and goats and 8.1 million camels, contributing substantially to the nation’s economy. Livestock accounts for about 19% of Ethiopia’s GDP and up to 45% of its agricultural GDP, underscoring its importance in both rural livelihoods and national economic development.
Despite its large livestock population, the sector faces challenges such as low productivity, diseases, and climate risks like droughts and floods. The Ethiopian government, with support from the World Bank, is implementing projects to enhance productivity and commercialization within livestock and fisheries sectors.
Tanzania’s cattle population, estimated at about 38 million, is managed predominantly by small-scale and large-scale farmers, with a significant number of goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry also raised in the country. Other countries like Chad, Sudan, and Kenya also maintain large herds, contributing to Africa’s vast livestock resources.
This data highlights Ethiopia’s continuing dominance in Africa’s livestock sector and the ongoing efforts to harness this resource for economic growth and improved livelihoods.
Sources: World Bank data, Statista, Further Africa, World Bank reports
