Friday June 23, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - Over two million goats have been exported from Somalia to Arab nations, as revealed by the Somali government. The surge in exports is attributed mainly to improved trade relations and the lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions, leading to an increased number of pilgrims this year.
Somalia's Minister of Animal Husbandry, Hassan Hussein Elaay, further disclosed on Thursday that a significant portion of the exported goats—over one million—were shipped to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj period, particularly during the Arafat days. Most of these animals were exported from the ports of two key cities, Berbera and Bosaso.
The Minister confirmed that the export operations continue unabated, signifying the strong performance of the country's livestock sector.
The pandemic year was devastating for Somalia's livestock industry, which comprises three-quarters of the nation's total exports. Livestock trade, primarily with Saudi Arabia, faced a significant downturn due to the limited number of people allowed to participate in the Hajj, Islam's holy pilgrimage. With only 1,000 individuals permitted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Hajj due to COVID-19, demand for livestock feeding the influx of pilgrims dropped sharply, affecting millions of livestock breeders, traders, and exporters.
Somalia's economy is based on livestock export, with over 65% of the population engaged in some way in the industry. The primary livestock of Somalia comprises cattle, camel, sheep, and goats.
