TANZANIA stands out among major consumers of canned foods in Africa, with per capita consumption of 28 kg per person, matching Ethiopia, while Nigeria follows closely at 27 kg per person.

A new report by IndexBox Inc., which operates an artificial intelligence-driven market research platform based in Walnut, California in the United States, says that other notable consumers include Egypt, South Africa, Morocco, Uganda, Kenya and Sudan. 

Over the past decade, Uganda recorded the fastest growth in consumption with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2 percent, while Algeria showed the highest growth in market value at 8.0 percent, it said.

Africa’s canned food production is largely self-sufficient, with the continent producing 37m tonnes in 2024, nearly matching domestic consumption. Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are also the top producers, together contributing 33 percent of total output, the report stated. 

Over the past decade, production has risen steadily at an average rate of 3.3 percent per year, with notable peaks in 2021 and 2023, it affirmed, noting that Africa’s canned food market is set for steady expansion over the next decade, with consumption projected to rise at CAGR of 2.3 percent in volume and 2.6 percent in value. 

The market, which reached 37m tonnes valued at $76.4bn in 2024, is expected to grow to 47m tonnes and $101bn in value by 2035, it stated.

Canned food is edible produce preserved in airtight containers, processed with heat to kill bacteria, giving it a long shelf life (often years) at room temperature, making seasonal ingredients available year-round, it explained. 

Nigeria, Tanzania, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are among the largest consumers by volume, together accounting for a considerable share of the continent’s total consumption, it said. 

International trade in canned food shows contrasting trends with imports dropping sharply by 39.2 percent in 2024, reaching 441,000 tonnes valued at $1.3bn, reflecting Africa’s growing self-sufficiency. Major importers included South Africa (51,000 tonnes), Libya (38,000 tonnes) and Mali (38,000 tonnes), it said. 

On the other hand, exports remained relatively stable at 553,000 tonnes valued at $1.4bnm where  

Egypt led exports in volume and value, Rwanda recording the fastest growth in export value, rising at a CAGR of 69 percent over the period. South Africa commanded the highest export price at $3,572 per tonne, compared to Rwanda’s $1,415 per tonne, the record indicated.

The market has experienced fluctuations in consumption and production over the past decade, as consumption peaked in 2023 but fell slightly in 2024, while production also showed minor decline after hitting record highs, even as overall trajectory remains positive with increasing demand expected to sustain growth throughout the forecast period.

Key drivers of the market include rising urbanisation, changing consumer preferences and growing awareness of convenience foods. Additionally, countries like Algeria and Rwanda are showing notable potential for investment in production capacity and export-oriented growth, it stated.

Africa’s canned food market is on a steady path of expansion, supported by domestic production, strategic trade and rising consumer demand. With projected growth through 2035, the sector presents opportunities for investors, producers and policymakers aiming to meet the evolving food needs of the continent, the report added.