A new report by IndexBox has unveiled significant insights into Africa’s plastic sacks and bags market in its latest analysis. The study reveals a market experiencing gradual growth, with consumption recorded at 7.4 million tons valued at $19 billion in 2024. Projections estimate an increase to 7.6 million tons and a market value of $21.3 billion by 2035, with compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) of 0.2% and 1.0% respectively.
Key Insights on Market Trends and Forecasts
The plastic sacks and bags market in Africa has shown notable resilience and is predicted to continue its upward trajectory. The current leading countries in consumption include Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which together account for 32% of the overall market volume. Meanwhile, Togo has emerged as the region’s largest exporter, contributing to 42% of total exports valued at approximately $126 million.
Consumption Statistics
By 2024, Africa’s plastic bags consumption grew to 7.4 million tons, reflecting a 1.8% increase compared to the previous year. Historically, this market saw an average annual growth rate of 1.4% from 2013 to 2024, with the highest peak of consumption at 8.3 million tons occurring in 2019. The market valuation remained stable at $19 billion, consistent with previous years but significantly below the 2016 high of $21.4 billion.
Country-Wise Consumption Breakdown
The most notable consumption levels in 2024 included Nigeria (1.2 million tons), Ethiopia (669,000 tons), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (482,000 tons). Together, these three countries represented one-third of the total consumption in Africa. Other contributing countries included South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda, which collectively accounted for an additional 27%. Throughout 2013 to 2024, Uganda also distinguished itself with a remarkable CAGR of 5.9%, showcasing robust growth in consumption levels.
In terms of market value, Nigeria led with a valuation of $3.2 billion, followed by Ethiopia at $2 billion and the Democratic Republic of the Congo at $1 billion. The remarkable trajectory of Angola can’t be overlooked, as it exhibited the highest growth rate in market size among the leading nations.
Production Insights
The production figures echo the consumption growth, with an estimated 7.3 million tons produced in 2024, marking a 1.7% increase from the previous year. Maintaining a consistent output rate, the market averaged a 1.4% growth from 2013 to 2024, with a historical peak of 8.1 million tons in 2016.
Leading production countries in 2024 included Nigeria (1.2 million tons), Ethiopia (654,000 tons), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (465,000 tons), collectively forming 32% of the total production. Angola continued to shine with the most substantial growth in production rates at a CAGR of 14.4%.
Trends in Imports and Exports
The import and export dynamics within Africa’s plastic sacks and bags market also tell a compelling story. Import volumes surged to 331,000 tons in 2024, an 8.8% increase from the previous year. While imports in value slightly dropped to $666 million, they still depicted an overall growth trend averaging 1.6% annually from 2013 to 2024.
Import Breakdown by Country
The primary importers included Ghana (28,000 tons), Mali (25,000 tons), and Burkina Faso (22,000 tons), which together accounted for over half of the continent’s total imports. Other notable importers were Ethiopia and South Africa. Senegal stood out with a remarkable CAGR of 19.7% in terms of import volumes.
On the other hand, plastic bags categorized as polymers of ethylene and other plastics were the most imported types. The average import price in Africa was recorded at $2,011 per ton, a decrease of 8.2% from the previous year.
Export Dynamics
In 2024, the export of plastic sacks and bags showed significant growth, reaching 142,000 tons, marking a 13% increase compared to the previous year. The value of exports also saw a remarkable rise, soaring to $332 million. Togo emerged triumphantly as the leading exporter with a substantial 42% share of the total export volume.
While Togo maintained its status as Africa’s top supplier, it was closely followed by Ghana, South Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire. Ghana’s impressive growth as an exporter with a CAGR of 16.5% from 2013-2024 deserves special recognition amidst the overall decline witnessed by other countries like South Africa.
Export Prices and Product Types
The average export price was recorded at $2,335 per ton, which witnessed a slight increase compared to the previous year. Notably, the export prices varied significantly by country, with Egypt reporting the highest price at $5,692 per ton, while Guinea had one of the lowest at $663 per ton.
In 2024, the predominant export type was also identified as sacks and bags made from polymers of ethylene, accounting for approximately 66% of total exports.
Conclusion
In summary, Africa’s plastic sacks and bags market is poised for incremental growth, underpinned by rising demand across the continent. The dynamics of consumption, production, imports, and exports reflect both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders, suggesting a competitive landscape increasingly characterized by regional variances and evolving market patterns.
