Middle East and Africa (MEA) Insect Feed Market Size and Forecast 2031
[Hyderabad 11th, June 2025] The Middle East and Africa (MEA) Insect Feed Market is witnessing steady growth, driven by increasing demand for sustainable animal nutrition solutions in aquaculture, poultry, and livestock sectors. In 2024, the MEA insect feed market is estimated at approximately USD 63 million and is projected to reach USD 140 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.4%. Countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are leading in pilot production and regulatory frameworks. Rising protein costs and water scarcity are pushing governments and feed producers to consider insect protein as a viable alternative.
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Competitive Landscape
The MEA market remains in an early growth phase but is attracting both regional startups and international players. Key participants include InsectiPro (Kenya), NASECO (Uganda), EntoProtein (South Africa), and partnerships involving Protix, AgriProtein, and NextProtein. These players are leveraging local organic waste streams to cultivate black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), which dominate the insect protein category. Competition is currently shaped by access to feedstock, cost efficiency, and scalability.
Detailed Market Segmentation
By Insect Type, the market is segmented into Black Soldier Fly (BSF), Mealworms, Crickets, and Other Edible Insects. By Application, it is divided into Aquaculture Feed, Poultry Feed, Pig Feed, and Pet Food. By Form, products are offered in Whole Dried Insects, Insect Meal, and Insect Oil. By End User, segmentation includes Feed Manufacturers, Animal Farms, and Research Institutions. Insect meal dominates the market due to its high protein content and easy integration into standard feed formulations.
Market Challenges
Major challenges include lack of regulatory clarity, limited industrial-scale production, and low awareness among traditional farmers. The price of insect protein remains higher than fishmeal in many MEA markets, limiting adoption. Additionally, inconsistencies in supply chain logistics and feedstock quality for insect rearing are significant bottlenecks in scaling operations.
Primary Market Drivers
The insect feed market is driven by the rising demand for protein-rich animal feed, urban food waste management initiatives, and the need for water- and land-efficient production systems. Increasing investment in circular economy solutions and governmental support for climate-smart agriculture are also propelling market interest. The high feed conversion efficiency of insects makes them an appealing choice in water-stressed regions of the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.
Technology & Innovation
Technology adoption in the MEA insect feed industry is improving, with innovations in automated insect farming systems, modular rearing units, and AI-powered feed optimization platforms. Companies are experimenting with IoT-based climate control systems and blockchain-enabled traceability to enhance production transparency and scalability.
Regulatory Environment
Regulations in the MEA region are evolving. South Africa has taken the lead in formalizing standards for insect-based feed, while Kenya and Uganda are working with regional bodies to draft safety and usage protocols. Gulf countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are in early consultation phases for regulatory approval of insect feed in aquaculture and poultry.
Recent Developments (Q4 2023 – Q2 2025)
Recent progress includes InsectiPro’s launch of a commercial BSF facility in Nairobi, a Saudi-funded pilot project for insect aquafeed, and EntoProtein's expansion into Nigeria. MEA governments have initiated grants and accelerator programs aimed at scaling agri-biotech innovations, including insect protein ventures.
Strategic Outlook
Over the next five years, the MEA insect feed market is expected to transition from pilot-stage to commercial maturity. Strategic priorities include cost reduction, regional collaboration for regulatory standardization, and expansion into emerging markets such as Ethiopia, Egypt, and Oman. Partnerships between tech startups and traditional feed companies will be key to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
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