Wisconsin is a leading state in animal health.
Demand for veterinary services is on the rise in Africa.
Despite having 17% of the world’s population, the African continent has only about 2% of the global pet population, according to the United Nations’ World Population Prospects. But the number of pet owners is increasing as income and urbanization grow.
Revenue from Africa’s veterinary sector totaled $4.2 billion in 2021 and is expected to more than double to $9.1 billion by 2025. Increased awareness about the need for animal health and hygiene, as well as the growing availability of animal vaccines and medications, are factors contributing to the rise. Governments in several regions are offering initiatives for animal health care, and traditional African parents are encouraging students to choose veterinary medicine for their careers.
Animal health is the largest segment of the veterinary industry in Africa. It accounted for 60% of the total industry revenue in 2015, including diagnosis and treatment of diseases and improving the productivity and efficiency of livestock on farms. Companion animal health—which covers animal hospitals, pet day care, and specialty vet clinics—is projected to have the fastest growth rate through 2025.
A program called Strengthening Veterinary Services in Developing Countries worked to expand veterinary accessibility throughout Africa from 2015 through 2019. Funded with €3.5 million ($3.8 million USD) from the European Union, European Parliament, and European Commission, the project was designed to improve food security, add economic growth, and reduce poverty by providing rapid response to animal disease outbreaks and emergencies. The program also attracted more funds for rabies control.
Meanwhile, with the increase in pet ownership during the pandemic, pet-related expenditures in South Africa alone rose 19.5% from 2019 to 2022. High-income pet owners helped drive that jump as they sought premium and natural pet food products, according to Mordor Intelligence.
Wisconsin’s veterinary services background and suppliers of pet products could have marketing opportunities in Africa. WEDC’s team in Africa can help Wisconsin firms negotiate in those sectors.
