Livestock production is an important source of food and a core means of livelihood for a majority of low income households in Africa. Livestock production in Africa is significant and plays a crucial role in the continent’s agricultural sector and economy with cattle, and poultry being the key livestock sub-sectors contributing to over 50% of livestock production in Africa. However, when compared to other global markets such as North America, Europe, or Asia, Africa’s livestock production is generally lower in terms of total output, which threatens food security and livelihoods in Africa. With a growing population projected to reach 1.74 billion people by 2030, this will in turn drive a growth in demand for livestock products and ultimately increased livestock production. Thus alongside addressing binding constraints to increased production for farmers in low-income communities to mitigate food security risk, there is a need to rapidly scale sustainable agricultural practices. Targeted interventions focusing on enhancing productivity, strengthening value chains, alongside promoting resilient and climate-smart livestock systems can contribute to enhancing food security and reducing poverty in Africa.