Ready-to-Eat Meals - Africa

Africa

Highlights

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$42.40bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 9.91% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated China (US$149bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$32.62 are generated in 2024.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 8.30bn kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 3.8% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 5.5kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureMethodology

The Ready-to-Eat Meals market in Africa is experiencing subdued growth, impacted by various factors such as low consumer awareness and limited access to digital technologies. However, convenience offered by online services is driving some growth in the Convenience Food market within The Food market.

Customer preferences: As urbanization and hectic work schedules continue to rise in Africa, there is a growing demand for convenient and portable food options. Ready-to-eat meals are gaining popularity among busy consumers, especially in urban areas. This trend is driven by the need for quick and easy meal solutions that fit into the on-the-go lifestyle. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce and online food delivery services has made it easier for consumers to access a variety of ready-to-eat meals, further driving the growth of this market.

Trends in the market: In Africa, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a rise in demand for healthier and more sustainable options. This trend is driven by the increasing health consciousness of consumers and the availability of more nutritious and ethically-sourced products. Industry players are responding by offering a wider range of plant-based, organic, and locally-sourced options. This trajectory towards healthier and more sustainable choices is expected to continue, creating opportunities for companies to tap into this growing market segment. However, it also poses challenges for traditional players who may need to adapt their product offerings and production processes to meet these changing consumer preferences.

Local special circumstances: In Africa, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is driven by a growing urban population and a rising demand for convenient and affordable meal options. However, local factors such as limited access to electricity and refrigeration in certain areas pose a challenge for the market. Additionally, cultural preferences for traditional cuisines and regulatory barriers to foreign imports also play a significant role in shaping the market landscape.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market in Africa is influenced by various macroeconomic factors. The global economic trends play a crucial role in determining the growth of this market. Countries with stable economic conditions and strong consumer spending power are likely to have a higher demand for ready-to-eat meals. Additionally, national economic health, fiscal policies, and other relevant financial indicators impact the purchasing power of consumers, thereby affecting the growth of the market. Moreover, the increasing urbanization and changing lifestyles in Africa are driving the demand for convenient and time-saving food options, leading to the growth of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.