By: Index box

The African market for base metal closures, including stoppers, caps, and lids, was a significant sector valued at $1.7 billion in 2024, with a consumption volume of 367,000 tons. The market is on a steady growth trajectory, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of +2.3% in volume and +3.2% in value through to 2035. This growth is expected to bring the market to 473,000 tons, worth $2.4 billion, by the end of the forecast period, driven by increasing demand across the continent.

Consumption is heavily concentrated in a few key nations. Tanzania, South Africa, and Uganda are the largest markets, collectively accounting for 53% of the total market volume. In value terms, Tanzania and South Africa lead, with market values of $381 million and $364 million respectively in 2024. The growth in consumption among these leaders has been moderate, while countries like Angola have experienced more rapid growth, with a notable CAGR of +7.9% in volume from 2013 to 2024.

The production landscape mirrors consumption, with Tanzania, South Africa, and Uganda also being the dominant producers. Together, these three countries represent 67% of the regional output, having produced a combined 189,000 tons in 2024. African production has been growing at a strong average annual rate of +5.0% over the past decade, with Angola showing the most dynamic expansion in production volume at a CAGR of +15.3%.

Despite robust local production, Africa remains a net importer of base metal closures. Imports totaled 90,000 tons, valued at $486 million, in 2024. The leading import markets are Tunisia, Egypt, and South Africa. In value terms, however, Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco were the top importers, highlighting differences in the types and unit values of products being imported. Nigeria, in particular, stands out for having the highest import price at $8,698 per ton.

On the export front, South Africa is the undisputed regional leader, accounting for 67% of all exports by volume and 69% by value. Its exports were valued at $34 million in 2024. While South Africa's export volume has remained relatively flat, its value has grown due to rising prices. The most dynamic exporter is Nigeria, which, despite a smaller volume, achieved the fastest export growth rate with a staggering +38.0% CAGR and the highest export price on the continent at $15,475 per ton.

A key trend in the market is the deceleration of growth compared to historical patterns. While the market continues to expand, the projected CAGRs for both volume (+2.3%) and value (+3.2%) are lower than the average rates witnessed from 2013 to 2024. This suggests the market is maturing, with growth becoming more stable and incremental rather than explosive.

Price dynamics also play a crucial role in the market's value growth. The average import price held steady at $5,370 per ton in 2024, while the export price saw a significant jump of 25% to $7,289 per ton. This indicates that African exporters, led by high-value producers like Nigeria and South Africa, are successfully capturing more value in the international and intra-regional trade of these goods