Established in 2000, Luna Export Slaughterhouse PLC is one of the leading export abattoirs in Ethiopia. The company currently exports livestock carcasses and meat to the U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia. The abattoir is FSSC 22000, ISO 9001:2015 and Halal certified. The fresh produce distribution business line also distributes fresh fruits, vegetables and meat in Addis Ababa through shops owned by the Company.

The Project represents Luna Slaughterhouse PLC’s backward integration into feed crop farming and animal fattening by establishing a modern livestock farm and securing quality livestock on a long-term sustainable basis (“the Project”).

The Project is expected to improve access to markets for approximately 7,000 small scale producers (pastoralists and agro pastoralists). Through the Project, these small-scale producers will benefit from improved breeding, feeding, animal health support and water access for their animals. 

IFC expects the Project to increase integration of the Ethiopian meat export sector, domestically and internationally, through replication and demonstration effects. Domestically, the Company would be the first semi-intensive goat farm in Ethiopia. The backward integration from meat export into livestock production is expected to achieve better fattening and conditioning leading to higher meat yield and income. If successful, players in Ethiopia could replicate the model, thereby transforming goat cultivation and export in Ethiopia. Internationally, the Project will assist the Company with repositioning of imported Ethiopian goat meat in the Gulf market by improving product quality and introducing complete traceability.

A comprehensive Advisory Services engagement (Luna LOG ID# 601995) was developed with the goal of supporting the establishment of the first semi-intensive goat farm in Ethiopia that meets best international practice in its production efficiency, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. The project aimed to set a standard in developing and implementing effective out-growers program with the semi-nomadic livestock producers that would be the first backward integration of livestock producers done by a meat exporter in Ethiopia.  The project three main objectives were as follows:

1. Providing technical support to improve efficiency of client operations and establishing a $9m semi-intensive goat feedlot farm in Ethiopia.
2. Establishing an out-grower program that delivers to market requirements, increases the incomes of at least 5000 farmers, and serves as a model for the industry.
3. Disseminating project results and approaches in order to influence the development of the sector in Ethiopia.

The Advisory Services engagement ran from early 2017 to June 2025 and supported the establishment of the out-grower program.

The advisory project has achieved significant milestones in supporting out-growers and improving livestock productivity. To date, over 6,000 out-growers have been reached, with 1,824 adopting improved husbandry and healthcare practices, including 1,534 women. Vaccination and deworming services have been provided for approximately 23,000 goats. Furthermore, around 140 model out-growers have received improved forage plant seeds and planting materials, enabling them to establish forage plots in their backyards.

Luna has contracted over 150 smallholder producers to cultivate yellow maize and supply green biomass for silage production. These efforts have resulted in feed out-growers achieving an impressive yield of 43 metric tons of green biomass per hectare and increasing their farm income by approximately 250%. To strengthen livestock supply chains, Luna plans to construct four strategically located livestock collection hubs. The company has introduced a livestock identification and traceability system by ear-tagging approximately 14,400 goats. Additionally, efforts to enhance the genetic performance of local goat populations are underway, with the introduction of the superior Borana goat breed for crossbreeding purposes.

At the abattoir, the introduction of food Management system (FSSC 2000 v 5.1) has improved food safety protocols and the enhanced animal welfare measures have significantly reduced meat waste due to condemnation and spoilage. These advancements reflect Luna's commitment to sustainable and efficient livestock management practices, benefiting both the company and its network of smallholder producers.