Defining the future of Africa’s pig industry: Interview with Dr. Craig Lewis

Dr. Craig Lewis was raised on a family farm in Herefordshire and holds advanced degrees in Animal Behavior and Welfare as well as Animal Breeding and Genetics. After earning his PhD from The Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh and completing research in Australia, Dr. Lewis now oversees Genetic Dissemination for Genus PIC across the EMEAR region, working with pig producers ranging from developing farmers in Africa to large integrated food companies. He is also Chair of the Steering Committee for the European Forum for Farm Animal Breeders (EFFAB). With numerous publications and international lectures to his name, Dr. Lewis is a strong advocate of science-based decision-making across the food chain, focusing on translating research into practical tools that address evolving societal demands and deliver ethical, nutritious, and sustainable animal protein.

What I love about Africa is the diversity of production systems. We have everything, from modern facilities comparable to those in other parts of the world, to smallholder farmers still developing their operations what means there are tremendous opportunities ahead. When we talk about the pigs of the future, we need to focus on production efficiency and feed conversion, but fundamentally, here in Africa, it’s about health and robustness. The continued use of new breeding technologies and the delivery of high-value genetics into the hands of local farmers could make a huge difference.

These projects are fundamental. At the end of the day, we need to provide local farmers with the right tools. The work 333 is doing, educating, building networks, creating community, and sharing knowledge; will make a real impact. If we combine that with support from the allied industry to improve nutrition and supply the right genetics, the people here have everything they need to succeed. And with Africa’s growing population, the opportunity for pork consumption is enormous.

What’s crucial is understanding that it’s not just about delivering genetic improvement but ensuring that farmers can realize that improvement. At PIC, we firmly believe that local understanding matters. It would be easy to simply ship genetics to Africa, but success depends on how that potential is expressed locally. That’s why we work closely with farmers and partners who truly understand their markets and realities, like you in Ghana and Nigeria. Listening and collaborating with local experts allows us to deliver genuine value.

I believe the mission of 333 Africa is vital. We need to make sure good, science-based messages reach the people who can use them. Whether it’s genetics, nutrition, health, or biosecurity, all of it matters. I really admire the work your team is doing to amplify those messages. If, together, we can raise the bar a little higher each day, then ten years from now, the potential for pig production in Africa will be extraordinary.

Africa’s growth will be about evolution, not revolution. It’s all about making steady, marginal gains. For example, if a farmer currently achieves twelve pigs per sow per year, the next step isn’t thirty, it’s fifteen. That improvement alone can transform lives and livelihoods. We want the industry here to continue progressing just as it has in Europe, North America, and Latin America. Combined with increasing domestic pork consumption, the outlook for Africa’s pig industry is incredibly positive.