Avipro East Africa Ltd in Kenya and Avitech in Madagascar are in full expansion
Despite logistical, security, economic, and energy challenges, Avipro East Africa Ltd (AEAL) in Kenya and Avitech in Madagascar continue to learn and grow, fully playing their roles in their respective markets.
"We are a company committed to producing broiler parent chicks, contributing to feeding East Africa," says Frederic Bardothier, Manager of AEAL. Currently, AEAL operates five facilities, including a hatchery and four breeding and reproduction facilities, producing approximately 400,000 chicks per year. "We plan to double our production capacity to 800,000 chicks per year by 2025 by adding one breeding facility and two reproduction facilities while strengthening our existing infrastructure," he continues.
One of the main challenges for AEAL is the complex logistics, exacerbated by the scarcity of flights and the constraints of road transportation. "We are investing in a specialized truck to ensure our chicks arrive safely, even during journeys of more than 24 hours to neighboring countries. Security is also an issue, especially when crossing borders or during internal demonstrations in Kenya. We take all necessary precautions to ensure our convoys reach their destination safely."
The future looks promising for AEAL, with positive economic projections for East Africa. "With an expected economic growth of 8% in the region, we aim to capture a significant share of the growing broiler parent chick market," he says optimistically. He adds, "This is an exciting time for us, as we already export 75% of our chicks to key markets like Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, and Madagascar. I am confident that my teams in Kenya, with the support of our colleagues in Mauritius, will achieve our regional ambitions."
As for Yannick Levantard, Managing Director of Avitech in Madagascar, he shares his passion for chicken farming. "With 25 farms, two hatcheries, and a slaughterhouse, we are determined to improve our capabilities to meet growing demand." Avitech also plans to modernize its equipment from now until 2027. He also announces the relaunch of the Commercial Business Unit to revitalize the market presence of Chantecler chicken.
He discusses economic challenges, such as the high cost of inputs like corn, and the ongoing energy challenges in Madagascar. "Frequent power outages and the anticipated increase in electricity tariffs pose significant challenges. We are exploring the option of photovoltaic panels to reduce our energy dependence," he says. Despite these challenges, he remains resilient. "We need to be innovative to maintain affordable costs for our consumers, whose purchasing power is limited."
Avitech stands out with its inclusive business model. "Today, 90% of our production comes from franchised farms, a model in which we believe and that has proven to be deeply beneficial. These farmers, guided by our experts, often start small and then grow," he explains. Furthermore, Avitech actively engages in social initiatives, such as supporting the Topaza orphanage. "We provide commercial layers to help with egg production, thus offering a source of nutrition and income for the children."