Africa is being urged to significantly boost its local livestock production to address a substantial import bill exceeding $10 billion annually. This call comes amid concerns over a widening trade deficit and the continent's reliance on foreign products despite possessing ample resources.

• Africa's livestock trade deficit reached over $6.2 billion last year, with imports at $10.2 billion and exports at $3.8 billion.
• Key organizations involved include the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
• Experts highlight that weak policy implementation and fragmented regulations are major obstacles, even with existing policies and market potential.