Ready-to-Eat Meals - Western Africa

Western Africa

Highlights

Revenue in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market amounts to US$16.80bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 10.26% (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$40.62 are generated in 2024.
In the Ready-to-Eat Meals market, volume is expected to amount to 2.82bn kg by 2029. The Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to show a volume growth of 3.4% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Ready-to-Eat Meals market is expected to amount to 5.9kg in 2024.

Key regions:

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureMethodology

The Ready-to-Eat Meals market in Western Africa is experiencing subdued growth, influenced by factors such as changing consumer preferences, increasing competition, and fluctuating economic conditions. Convenience and time-saving appeal drive the market, while limited access to technology and traditional food culture impede growth.

Customer preferences: As Western African countries continue to urbanize and modernize, there has been a growing demand for convenient and time-saving food options. This has led to an increase in the popularity of ready-to-eat meals, as busy consumers seek quick and easy solutions for their meals. Additionally, with the rise of dual-income households and changing household structures, there has been a shift towards smaller and more convenient meal options, catering to the needs of single individuals and smaller families.

Trends in the market: In Western Africa, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is experiencing a shift towards healthier options, with a growing demand for plant-based and organic ready-to-eat meals. This trend is driven by a growing awareness of the health benefits of clean eating and the increasing availability of these products in the market. As a result, industry stakeholders are investing in research and development to meet this demand and stay competitive. Additionally, the rise of online grocery shopping and on-demand food delivery services is further driving the growth of the ready-to-eat meals market in the region. This presents potential opportunities for industry players to tap into this market and expand their reach to a larger consumer base.

Local special circumstances: In Western Africa, the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by the region's diverse cultural and geographical factors. The market is driven by the growing urban population, increasing disposable income, and a busy lifestyle, leading to a high demand for convenient and affordable meal options. Additionally, the region's unique regulatory environment, with varying food safety standards and import restrictions, plays a significant role in shaping the market dynamics. This has resulted in the emergence of local players catering to the specific preferences and tastes of the population, making Western Africa a highly competitive and dynamic market for ready-to-eat meals.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The performance of the Ready-to-Eat Meals Market of the Convenience Food Market within The Food market is greatly affected by macroeconomic factors such as consumer purchasing power, economic stability, and government policies. The market is expected to grow in regions with strong economic growth and rising disposable incomes, as consumers are more likely to spend on convenient and affordable food options. Additionally, favorable government policies and investments in food technology and infrastructure can also drive market growth. On the other hand, economic challenges and high food prices can hinder market growth in developing countries.

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.