Market Forecast by Countries (South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Rest of Africa), By Product (Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyurethane (PU), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polystyrene (PS), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Others), By Application (Injection Molding, Blow Molding, Roto Molding, Compression Molding, Casting, Thermoforming, Extrusion, Others), By End-use (Packaging, Construction, Electrical & Electronics, Automotive, Medical Devices, Agriculture, Furniture & Bedding, Others) And Competitive Landscape
| Product Code: ETC186724 | Publication Date: May 2021 | Updated Date: Feb 2025 | Product Type: Market Research Report | |
| Publisher: 6Wresearch | Author: Ravi Bhandari | No. of Pages: 250 | No. of Figures: 50 | No. of Tables: 25 |
| Report Name | Africa Plastic Market |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2031 |
| Forecast Size | USD 14 billion by 2031 |
| CAGR | 0.053 |
| Growing Sector | Packaging & Construction Sector |
Africa Plastic Market report thoroughly covers the market By Countries, By Product , By Application, By End -Use. The market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the ongoing market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers which would help the stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
Africa Plastic Market was valued at USD 8.5 billion and is expected to reach USD 14 billion, growing at a CAGR of around 5.3% from 2025 to 2031. This growth is driven by increasing demand for plastic products in industries such as packaging, automotive, construction, and consumer goods. Additionally, factors such as rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and rising industrialization in key African economies further contribute to the market expansion. Technological advancements in plastic production and the adoption of sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes will also play a significant role in supporting this growth. As the African market continues to develop, the demand for advanced plastic products and machinery will provide ample opportunities for investment and innovation across the region.
This growth is driven by increasing demand for plastic products in key industries such as packaging, automotive, construction, and consumer goods. Rising urbanization, industrialization, and infrastructure development across the continent are further boosting market expansion. Additionally, technological advancements in plastic production and a shift towards more sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes are shaping the industry’s future. As African economies continue to develop, there is significant potential for investment, innovation, and market diversification, making it an attractive region for both local and international businesses.
According to 6Wresearch, the Africa Plastic Market Size is expected to reach a significant CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period 2025-2031. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for plastic products in industries such as packaging, automotive, construction, and consumer goods. The rising urbanization, rapid industrialization, and infrastructure development in several African countries are further fueling market expansion. Moreover, advancements in plastic production technologies and the shift toward more sustainable manufacturing processes are contributing to the market's positive outlook. With these trends, the Africa Plastic Market is poised to attract investments and innovations, providing substantial opportunities for businesses within the region during the forecast period.
Trends in the African plastic market highlight significant growth driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer preferences. One key trend is the increasing demand for sustainable plastic solutions, with more companies adopting eco-friendly materials and recycling practices. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce and urbanization is spurring growth in packaging plastics, particularly in the food and beverage sectors. Another trend is the adoption of innovative manufacturing techniques, including automation and digitalization, which enhance production efficiency and reduce costs. The automotive and construction industries are also contributing to the market’s expansion, as demand for durable plastic components continues to grow. These trends indicate a promising future for Africa’s plastic market, attracting both local and international investments.
Investment opportunities in Africa's plastic industry are rapidly expanding, driven by urbanization, population growth, and increasing demand for packaging, construction materials, and consumer goods. The industry's value chain encompasses raw material production, recycling, and manufacturing of plastic products, offering diverse entry points for investors. With rising government initiatives promoting sustainability and plastic recycling, there is significant potential in eco-friendly and innovative solutions. Additionally, the underdeveloped manufacturing infrastructure in many African countries presents a unique opportunity for investors to establish production facilities and meet local demand. Strategic investment in this sector can yield high returns while contributing to economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Leading players in the Africa plastic market include multinational corporations and regional manufacturers investing in advanced technologies and infrastructure to address the growing demand. Companies like Dow Chemical, BASF, and SABIC are prominent due to their innovative product offerings and strategic partnerships within the continent. Local firms such as Promasidor and Nigeria's Shongai Packaging Limited also play a vital role by catering to domestic needs. By fostering collaborations with governments and investing in sustainable practices, these players are driving growth and competitiveness in the market while contributing to the development of a more sustainable plastic industry across Africa.
Government regulations play a critical role in ensuring effective market performance within the Africa plastic industry. Policies promoting the use of recyclable materials and encouraging investment in green technologies are driving sustainability. Import tariffs and tax incentives for local manufacturing further create a level playing field for domestic producers. Additionally, governments are introducing strict environmental regulations to mitigate the impact of plastic waste, including bans on single-use plastics in several countries. These measures not only ensure compliance with global standards but also support long-term economic growth by encouraging innovation and fostering a circular economy within the plastic manufacturing sector.
The future of the Africa plastic market is expected to be defined by increased adoption of sustainable practices, innovation, and regional collaboration. Advances in recycling technologies and the growing demand for biodegradable plastics will shape the industry's trajectory. Governments and private sectors are likely to intensify efforts toward creating a circular economy, reducing reliance on virgin plastic materials. Furthermore, the rise of consumer awareness surrounding environmental issues is projected to drive demand for eco-friendly products. With investments in research and development, the industry is poised for sustainable growth, offering opportunities for economic development while addressing environmental challenges.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments and their leading categories.
South Africa is expected to dominate Africa's plastic market due to its well-established industrial base, advanced manufacturing infrastructure, and high demand for plastic products. The country's strong automotive, packaging, and construction sectors drive the growth of plastic consumption, particularly in products like Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP). Additionally, South Africa's growing emphasis on sustainability and innovation in plastic production supports its market leadership. As the most developed economy in Africa, South Africa is positioned to continue attracting significant investments, making it the primary hub for plastic manufacturing and consumption in the region.
According to Ravi Bhandari, Research Manager, 6Wresearch, Polyethylene (PE) is expected to dominate Africa's plastic market due to its versatile properties, cost-effectiveness, and widespread use in various industries. PE is extensively utilized in packaging, particularly for films, bottles, and containers, which is driven by the growing demand for food and beverage packaging. Its durability and resistance to chemicals make it ideal for construction, automotive, and agricultural applications. With the rise in urbanization, e-commerce, and packaging needs across Africa, PE's broad applicability across multiple sectors ensures it remains the leading product in the region's plastic market. The ongoing demand for eco-friendly alternatives further boosts PE's market share.
Injection Molding is set to dominate Africa's plastic market due to its ability to produce high-precision, cost-effective plastic parts in large volumes. This technique is widely used across various industries, including automotive, packaging, medical devices, and consumer goods. The growing demand for durable, lightweight plastic products, coupled with rapid industrialization and urbanization, drives the adoption of injection molding. The ability to mold complex shapes and achieve high production efficiency makes it the preferred application for manufacturers. As the African market continues to expand, the versatility and scalability of injection molding ensure its position as the dominant application.
Packaging is expected to dominate Africa's plastic market due to the increasing demand for packaged goods across various industries, including food and beverages, healthcare, and consumer products. As urbanization and population growth continue, the need for efficient, cost-effective, and durable packaging solutions rises. Plastics, particularly Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP), are widely used in packaging due to their versatility, lightweight nature, and protective properties. With the rise of e-commerce, the demand for plastic packaging for shipping and distribution is also growing rapidly. This makes packaging the leading end-use segment, driving significant growth in the African plastic market.
The market report has been segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories:
| 1 Executive Summary |
| 2 Introduction |
| 2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
| 2.2 Report Description |
| 2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
| 2.4 Research Methodology |
| 2.5 Assumptions |
| 3 Africa Plastic Market Overview |
| 3.1 Africa Regional Macro Economic Indicators |
| 3.2 Africa Plastic Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.3 Africa Plastic Market - Industry Life Cycle |
| 3.4 Africa Plastic Market - Porter's Five Forces |
| 3.5 Africa Plastic Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.6 Africa Plastic Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Product, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.7 Africa Plastic Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Application, 2021 & 2031F |
| 3.8 Africa Plastic Market Revenues & Volume Share, By End-use, 2021 & 2031F |
| 4 Africa Plastic Market Dynamics |
| 4.1 Impact Analysis |
| 4.2 Market Drivers |
| 4.3 Market Restraints |
| 5 Africa Plastic Market Trends |
| 6 Africa Plastic Market, 2021 & 2031F |
| 6.1 Africa Plastic Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product, 2021 & 2031F |
| 6.2 Africa Plastic Market, Revenues & Volume, By Application, 2021 & 2031F |
| 6.3 Africa Plastic Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-use, 2021 & 2031F |
| 7 South Africa Plastic Market, 2021 & 2031F |
| 7.1 South Africa Plastic Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product, 2021 & 2031F |
| 7.2 South Africa Plastic Market, Revenues & Volume, By Application, 2021 & 2031F |
| 7.3 South Africa Plastic Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-use, 2021 & 2031F |
| 8 Nigeria Plastic Market, 2021 & 2031F |
| 8.1 Nigeria Plastic Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product, 2021 & 2031F |
| 8.2 Nigeria Plastic Market, Revenues & Volume, By Application, 2021 & 2031F |
| 8.3 Nigeria Plastic Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-use, 2021 & 2031F |
| 9 Kenya Plastic Market, 2021 & 2031F |
| 9.1 Kenya Plastic Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product, 2021 & 2031F |
| 9.2 Kenya Plastic Market, Revenues & Volume, By Application, 2021 & 2031F |
| 9.3 Kenya Plastic Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-use, 2021 & 2031F |
| 10 Rest of Africa Plastic Market, 2021 & 2031F |
| 10.1 Rest of Africa Plastic Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product, 2021 & 2031F |
| 10.2 Rest of Africa Plastic Market, Revenues & Volume, By Application, 2021 & 2031F |
| 10.3 Rest of Africa Plastic Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-use, 2021 & 2031F |
| 11 Africa Plastic Market Key Performance Indicators |
| 12 Africa Plastic Market - Opportunity Assessment |
| 12.1 Africa Plastic Market Opportunity Assessment, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
| 12.2 Africa Plastic Market Opportunity Assessment, By Product, 2021 & 2031F |
| 12.3 Africa Plastic Market Opportunity Assessment, By Application, 2021 & 2031F |
| 12.4 Africa Plastic Market Opportunity Assessment, By End-use, 2021 & 2031F |
| 13 Africa Plastic Market - Competitive Landscape |
| 13.1 Africa Plastic Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2024 |
| 13.2 Africa Plastic Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
| 14 Company Profiles |
| 15 Recommendations |
| 16 Disclaimer |
Export potential enables firms to identify high-growth global markets with greater confidence by combining advanced trade intelligence with a structured quantitative methodology. The framework analyzes emerging demand trends and country-level import patterns while integrating macroeconomic and trade datasets such as GDP and population forecasts, bilateral import–export flows, tariff structures, elasticity differentials between developed and developing economies, geographic distance, and import demand projections. Using weighted trade values from 2020–2024 as the base period to project country-to-country export potential for 2030, these inputs are operationalized through calculated drivers such as gravity model parameters, tariff impact factors, and projected GDP per-capita growth. Through an analysis of hidden potentials, demand hotspots, and market conditions that are most favorable to success, this method enables firms to focus on target countries, maximize returns, and global expansion with data, backed by accuracy.
By factoring in the projected importer demand gap that is currently unmet and could be potential opportunity, it identifies the potential for the Exporter (Country) among 190 countries, against the general trade analysis, which identifies the biggest importer or exporter.
To discover high-growth global markets and optimize your business strategy:
Click Here