The coated printing and writing paper sector in Africa is projected to experience significant growth, with market volume anticipated to reach 514K tons by 2035, valued at $740M. The expected compound annual growth rates (CAGR) from 2024 to 2035 are +0.5% in volume and +2.3% in value.
Market Outlook
The rising demand for coated printing and writing paper in Africa is expected to initiate a trend of increasing consumption over the next decade. The market’s performance is predicted to rise modestly, with a CAGR of +0.5% from 2024 to 2035, leading to a market volume of 514K tons by 2035. In terms of value, the market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of +2.3% during the same period, reaching a total value of $740M (at nominal wholesale prices) by 2035.
Consumption Trends
In 2024, Africa’s consumption of coated printing and writing papers surged to 487K tons, marking a 23% increase from 2023. However, overall consumption has shown signs of slight decline, peaking at 625K tons in 2015 before experiencing lower figures from 2016 to 2024. Market revenue for coated printing and writing papers is projected to soar to $577M in 2024, reflecting a 22% growth compared to the previous year. This figure encompasses total revenues from producers and importers (excluding logistics, marketing costs, and retailers’ margins). Despite recent growth, consumption has generally displayed a stable trend, peaking at $743M. The market did not regain momentum between 2023 and 2024.
Consumption By Country
The highest levels of consumption in 2024 were recorded in South Africa (119K tons), Egypt (116K tons), and Algeria (43K tons), which together accounted for 57% of the total consumption. Other countries, including Morocco, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania contributed an additional 29%. Among these nations, Uganda exhibited the most notable growth rate in consumption at a CAGR of +11.5%, while the other leading countries saw more moderate increases.
In terms of value, Egypt ($158M), South Africa ($138M), and Morocco ($45M) had the highest market values in 2024, together representing 59% of the total market. Countries such as Algeria, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania accounted for an additional 27%. Uganda also demonstrated the highest growth rate for market size among the main consuming nations, with a CAGR of +10.7% during the review period.
Per capita consumption rates in 2024 were highest in South Africa (1,923 kg per 1,000 people), Tunisia (1,821 kg per 1,000 people), and Egypt (1,056 kg per 1,000 people), with Uganda showing significant increases in consumption over the period at a CAGR of +8.0%.
Production Trends
In 2024, Africa’s production of coated printing and writing papers increased by 1.8% to reach 44K tons, marking growth for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. However, overall production has exhibited a notable downward trend. The most substantial growth occurred in 2020, when production increased by 18%. Production reached its peak in 2014 at 58K tons but has been lower from 2015 to 2024.
Value-wise, coated printing and writing paper production rose to $50M in 2024, based on export prices. Although production values saw a slight decline overall, the most significant growth occurred in 2014, with a 22% increase, reaching a peak of $76M. From 2015 to 2024, growth remained subdued.
Production By Country
Leading countries in production in 2024 included South Africa (25K tons), Ethiopia (16K tons), and Gambia (1.9K tons), accounting for 97% of total production. Gambia notably exhibited the highest growth rate at a CAGR of +265.0% from 2013 to 2024, while the other leading nations experienced more modest growth.
Imports and Exports
Imports of coated printing and writing papers in Africa were recorded at 470K tons in 2024, a 25% increase from the previous year, though overall, imports have experienced a slight decline since peaking at 597K tons in 2022. The value of imports surged to $589M in 2024, with a relatively flat trend overall, but a significant spike occurred in 2022 at 41%. Leading importers included Egypt (122K tons), South Africa (102K tons), and Algeria (43K tons), together comprising approximately 48% of total imports.
In 2024, Africa’s exports of coated printing and writing papers increased to 27K tons, a 23% rise over 2023. Export value, however, decreased to $31M, displaying a generally flat trend. South Africa (8K tons), Egypt (5.7K tons), and Djibouti (3.8K tons) represented the majority of the exports, while Tanzania showed the highest growth rate for export value at a CAGR of +46.8%.
Conclusion
Overall, the African market for coated printing and writing paper is poised for gradual growth, driven by increasing demand and evolving consumption patterns across key countries. The shifts in production, imports, and exports suggest a dynamic landscape that is adapting to market needs and trends.
(Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform)
