Middle East and Africa Insect Protein Market Outlook to 2030

Middle East and Africa Insect Protein Market Overview

• The Middle East and Africa insect protein market is valued at USD 12 billion, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable food alternatives and the growing awareness around the benefits of insect protein as a nutrient-rich, eco-friendly food source. This growth is largely attributed to consumer interest in sustainable agricultural practices and the increasing shift towards alternative proteins to address food security challenges in the region. Additionally, rising government interest in promoting food self-sufficiency is further accelerating market growth, with prominent initiatives aimed at fostering insect farming across several countries.
• Countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates dominate the Middle East and Africa insect protein market. South Africas dominance stems from its established agricultural sector and progressive regulatory environment supporting the commercialization of insect-based foods. Kenya's market is driven by large-scale agricultural programs aimed at improving food security, while the UAEs strategic investments in food technology and research have fostered the development of novel insect-based protein products. These nations benefit from advanced infrastructure and policies conducive to insect protein production, making them leaders in the region.
• Vertical farming techniques are gaining popularity in the region due to their efficiency in space utilization and resource conservation. The use of automated, climate-controlled systems has boosted insect production capacity by 35%, according to the FAO. These systems allow for year-round production, essential in areas like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where extreme weather conditions limit traditional farming. Vertical farming is quickly becoming a key trend in the insect protein industry, offering solutions to both scalability and sustainability challenges.

Middle East and Africa Insect Protein Market Segmentation

• By Product Type: The market is segmented by product type into whole insects, insect powder, insect oil, insect paste, and other derivatives. Insect powder has a dominant market share due to its versatile application across food and feed industries, offering an easy and palatable way to incorporate insect protein into various consumer products. Insect powder is favored for its ease of storage, long shelf life, and ability to be used in multiple formulations, including snacks, protein bars, and animal feed.
• By Application: The market is also segmented by application into food and beverages, animal feed, pharmaceuticals & cosmetics. The food and beverages segment leads the market due to the growing demand for sustainable protein sources, particularly in health-conscious consumer groups. Companies in the region are increasingly developing food products such as protein bars, snacks, and even insect-based flour to appeal to consumers seeking eco-friendly alternatives to traditional animal-based proteins.

Middle East and Africa Insect Protein Market Competitive Landscape

The Middle East and Africa insect protein market is dominated by both global and local companies. These key players have established a strong presence through investments in research, product innovation, and strategic partnerships. The Middle East and Africa insect protein market is dominated by key players such as Protix, AgriProtein, and nsect, with local companies like Entomo Farms and Flying SpArk making notable contributions.

Middle East and Africa Insect Protein Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Rising Demand for Sustainable Protein Sources: The Middle East and Africa are facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable food production systems. Insect protein offers a promising solution, as it requires significantly fewer resources than traditional livestock farming. Producing 1 kg of insect protein uses only 1.7 kg of feed compared to 8 kg for beef production. Moreover, insect farming emits 75% less greenhouse gases than cattle farming, contributing to the region's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, in line with sustainability goals outlined by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• Increasing Awareness of Insect Proteins Nutritional Benefits: Insect protein is gaining traction due to its high nutritional value, offering up to 70 grams of protein per 100 grams of product, along with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals like zinc and iron. This makes it a highly efficient nutritional alternative to traditional protein sources, such as poultry and beef, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where 23% of the population suffers from undernutrition, as per the World Bank's 2024 data on food security. This nutritional advantage is becoming a key factor in the markets growth.
• Growing Demand for Alternative Proteins Due to Food Security Concerns: Food security remains a critical challenge in the Middle East and Africa, where around 282 million people experience food shortages, according to the World Food Programme's latest data. Insect protein provides a viable solution to address this issue due to its minimal land, water, and energy requirements. With the region's agricultural sector facing difficulties due to water scarcity and climate change, insect protein production could help alleviate the stress on food supply chains while offering a reliable and affordable source of nutrition.

Market Challenges

• Lack of Clear Regulations on Insect Protein Use: One of the primary barriers to the growth of the insect protein market in the Middle East and Africa is the lack of standardized regulations. Governments in the region are still in the process of developing frameworks that align with global food safety standards. For instance, as of 2023, countries like South Africa and Egypt have yet to fully implement legal guidelines for the commercial production and sale of insect protein, creating uncertainty for producers and investors. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the need for stronger regulations to ensure food safety.
• Consumer Reluctance and Perception Barriers: Consumer reluctance remains a significant hurdle for insect protein adoption in the region, where cultural preferences heavily favor traditional meat products. A recent survey by the African Development Bank noted that less than 15% of urban consumers in African nations like Nigeria and Kenya are open to incorporating insect protein into their diets, despite its benefits. This reluctance is exacerbated by limited public awareness campaigns on the nutritional and environmental advantages of insect protein, slowing market penetration.

Middle East and Africa Insect Protein Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the Middle East and Africa insect protein market is expected to witness significant growth driven by technological advancements, government support for sustainable food production, and the increasing demand for alternative proteins. Innovations in insect farming technology, including automated production systems and vertical farming, will be key drivers of market expansion. Furthermore, the rising consumer awareness about the health and environmental benefits of insect protein will likely propel its adoption in various sectors, including food, feed, and pharmaceuticals.

Future Market Opportunities

• Technological Innovation in Insect Farming and Processing: Technological advancements are driving innovation in insect farming, enabling more efficient production methods. Automated vertical farming techniques, have increased output by up to 40%, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). These innovations are also reducing labor costs and improving product consistency, making insect protein a more competitive option in the Middle East and Africa. With governments prioritizing technological adoption in agriculture, there is a significant opportunity for local startups to invest in scalable insect farming solutions.
• Opportunities for Export to Europe and North America: The growing demand for alternative proteins in Europe and North America presents a lucrative export opportunity for insect protein producers in the Middle East and Africa. As of 2024, Europe has a strong demand for sustainable protein, with the European Commission allowing insect protein for human consumption in multiple countries. Export data shows that insect protein producers in South Africa are already exporting products to the European market, capitalizing on favorable trade policies under the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).