The South African poultry sector has reported significant investment growth and production gains under the Poultry Masterplan following the first Economic Oversight Committee (EOC) meeting between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the Department of Agriculture, and industry stakeholders.

The meeting highlighted progress made since the Masterplan was launched in 2019, including expansion in production capacity, investment activity, and transformation within the sector.

Investment and project expansion

A total of 32 project leaders were recognised for establishing large-scale poultry operations, each with an average investment of around R45 million. One of the largest individual investments was the KC Hatchery, valued at more than R135 million. In addition, 20 broiler contract farmers were acknowledged, alongside the development of 3 new hatcheries and about 8 egg-laying facilities.

According to industry figures presented at the meeting, these projects have achieved a 100% reported success rate, with total investment exceeding R1 billion (about US$60 million).

Production growth since 2019

The sector has recorded broader growth since the launch of the Poultry Masterplan, with more than R2.1 billion invested across the industry between 2019 and 2025.

Over the same period, poultry production increased by 26%, rising from 19.7 million to 23 million birds slaughtered per week. Industry stakeholders said this reflects improved efficiency and expanded capacity across the value chain.

Challenges and operating conditions

Stakeholders noted that this expansion has taken place despite ongoing challenges, including rising feed and input costs, highly pathogenic avian influenza challenges, and infrastructure constraints such as port inefficiencies, water shortages, and electricity disruptions.

Earlier challenges linked to imported poultry products were also referenced, with investigations by the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) identifying dumping from multiple countries. This led to the introduction of anti-dumping measures to support local producers.

Global competitiveness

A 2025 competitiveness study by Wageningen University found that South Africa remains highly competitive in global poultry production.

For more than a decade, the country has produced chicken at lower cost than the European Union and has recently become more cost-efficient than the United States. Only Brazil currently produces chicken at lower cost, the study noted. South Africa also recorded strong performance in feed conversion efficiency.

Industry outlook

“The poultry industry is no longer in distress. It is a globally competitive, growing sector that continues to deliver affordable protein to South African consumers,” said Izaak Breitenbach, CEO of the Broiler Organisation at SAPA.

The Poultry Masterplan is widely credited by stakeholders with improving coordination between government and industry, supporting investment, and strengthening the sector’s long-term resilience.