COMESA has reaffirmed its support to the growth of pastoral markets by being part of the newly launched African Pastoral Markets Development (APMD) Platform. Launched by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) on 17 January 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, the Platform aims to enhance the livelihoods of pastoral communities particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel regions by addressing systemic challenges in livestock trade.

This will be done through innovative business models, robust policy frameworks and enhanced knowledge-sharing mechanisms.

Speaking on behalf COMESA Secretariat, Senior Fisheries and Livestock Officer Dr Yoseph Mamo emphasized the need to improve livestock and veterinary services across COMESA Member States stating that the future of pastoral livelihoods hinges on the region’s ability to strengthen veterinary services, enhance disease control and create robust market linkages.

He commended the APMD Platform and added that it will help tackle long-standing barriers that have hindered the growth of pastoral markets, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance and fragmented policy frameworks.

“By fostering innovation and regional cooperation, the platform seeks to enable pastoral communities to better access markets, enhance productivity and withstand climatic shocks that threaten their livelihoods,”

During the launch and workshop, discussions centered on innovative approaches to transforming pastoral value chains such as mobile technology for market information, improved animal health services and capacity-building initiatives for pastoralists and traders.

Dr Mamo’s call to action resonated throughout the workshop as he urged stakeholders to collaborate and deliver tangible benefits to communities that depend on livestock for their survival.

The launch of the APMD Platform marks the beginning of a transformative journey for Africa’s pastoral market ecosystems.