APMD-led B2B talks set African meat processors for regional supply chain

The African Pastoral Markets Development (APMD) platform organized a high-level business-to-business (B2B) session bringing together African meat processors and regional importers at the Swissôtel Al Ghurair, Dubai, marking a significant step in the project’s effort towards strengthening Africa and Middle East meat trade linkages.

The session convened importers and distributors from Egypt, Libya, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, alongside meat processors participating in market engagement held on the margins of the Gulfood Dubai 2026 designed to facilitate direct commercial discussions, align market expectations and accelerate deal-making within the red meat value chain.

The processors presented their business prospectuses, outlining production capacity, product specification, certification status and supply readiness. This enabled importers to assess commercial viability while allowing processors to better understand buyer requirements across the Middle Eastern and Northern Africa.

Beyond initial deal discussions, the B2B focused on aligning technical, regulatory, and commercial conditions necessary for sustainable trade. Participants exchanged views on quality standards, halal certification, packaging, cold chain logistics, payment terms and delivery schedules, which are notable factors in determining competitiveness in import-dependent markets.

Processors reported progress towards commercial agreements including expression of interests and next step negotiations. On the other hand, the importers emphasized the importance of consistency, traceability and compliance as prerequisites to long-term partnership.

The diversity of the importers from North Africa, Middle East and the Levant region underscored the strategic importance of Dubai as a regional trade hub. The B2B reduced market entry costs and shortened negotiation timelines for both the importers and processors. Further, it reinforced the shift towards private sector-led trade facilitation, where direct buyer-seller interaction is complemented by structured support mechanisms that enhance transparency and commercial integrity.

Recognizing the intensification of global market competition, the African Pastoral Markets Development Platform acknowledges that targeted B2B engagements are core to Africa’s efforts in building competitive, export-ready livestock value chains. 

With follow-up discussions expected to translate into firm contracts, the convening positioned the African processors closer to sustained participation in Middle Eastern and North African meat markets by transforming interest into tangible trade opportunities.