Black-Owned Poultry Businesses to Be Recognised Under South Africa’s Poultry Masterplan

South Africa’s poultry sector continues to evolve as one of the most important drivers of agricultural growth, employment, and food security. A key milestone in this journey will be the recognition of black-owned viable commercial poultry businesses at the Poultry Masterplan Executive Oversight Committee meeting. The gathering will be led by the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Zuko Godlimpi, alongside the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Ms Nokuzola Capa. The meeting will take place at the Phetogo Grootspruit Broiler Farm in Bronkhorstspruit on Thursday, 30 April 2026. This event highlights a growing focus on transformation and inclusion in a sector that plays a central role in South Africa’s economy. It also reflects a broader effort to build a more balanced and competitive poultry industry.

The businesses that will be recognised include a wide range of operations such as contract growers, feed mills, hatcheries, abattoirs, and processors. These enterprises represent different parts of the poultry value chain and show how black-owned participation has expanded beyond farming alone. Their achievements demonstrate real progress in building commercially viable operations that compete in a demanding market. Many of these businesses operate under challenging conditions, including high feed costs and market pressures. Despite this, they have managed to scale operations, improve efficiency, and strengthen supply chains. Their success signals a shift toward greater inclusion in a sector historically dominated by established players.

Enabling partners will also be acknowledged for their role in supporting these businesses. These include poultry off-takers, development finance institutions, and industry associations that provide funding, technical support, and market access. Without this ecosystem of support, many emerging businesses would struggle to survive in a capital-intensive industry. Retail participation is also part of this progress, with several brands using the Proudly South African logo on packaging. This reflects a growing commitment to local production and the Buy Local poultry campaign. These partnerships help create a more stable environment for black-owned enterprises to grow and compete effectively.

A major focus of the meeting will be the formal consideration and adoption of the Poultry Masterplan Phase 2 Framework Agreement. This signals a renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration between government, industry, and development partners. Phase 2 builds on the foundation of Phase 1, which focused on reducing feed costs, lowering export barriers, and increasing local poultry consumption. It also aimed to reduce dependence on imports, particularly from Brazil, the European Union, and the United States. The new phase shifts attention toward export-driven growth while maintaining strong domestic supply. This approach is designed to position South African poultry as a stronger player in global markets.

Phase 2 introduces key strategic priorities that include expanding exports of cooked meat products and improving local demand strategies. It also places strong emphasis on effective trade measures to protect and grow the industry. Biosecurity remains a critical focus area to ensure compliance with both local and international standards. Transformation of the entire poultry value chain is another central pillar, aimed at increasing participation by emerging producers. These measures are intended to create a more competitive and inclusive sector that can support long-term growth. The plan also seeks to improve coordination across all parts of the industry.

Food security and affordability are also major goals within the Poultry Masterplan framework. Poultry is one of the most affordable protein sources in South Africa, especially for lower-income households. By improving production efficiency and supporting local producers, the plan aims to keep prices accessible. Funding and support mechanisms will continue to target contract farmers, processors, and small businesses. This approach links economic growth directly with social outcomes such as nutrition and household stability. Job creation and job-loss mitigation remain central priorities throughout implementation.

The poultry industry is currently the largest contributor to South Africa’s agricultural sector by gross value of production. In 2024, it reached almost R87.95 billion in total value, with R72.09 billion from meat and R15.86 billion from eggs. It accounted for 19.1 percent of total agricultural gross value and 44.4 percent of animal products gross value. Between 2019 and 2025, chicken meat exports grew by 9 percent, covering fresh, frozen, whole, cut pieces, and offal. These figures show steady expansion and increasing global competitiveness. They also highlight the importance of continued investment and transformation.

The recognition of black-owned poultry businesses at this event reflects more than individual success stories. It signals structural change in how South Africa’s poultry industry is developing. The combination of policy support, private sector participation, and development funding is helping to reshape the sector. Phase 2 of the Poultry Masterplan aims to deepen this progress while expanding economic opportunities. If implemented effectively, it can strengthen food security, grow exports, and increase local ownership across the value chain. The Bronkhorstspruit gathering represents a key moment in reinforcing that direction and building momentum for the future of the industry.