Africa

Although perceptions are improving, corruption remains pervasive and economic freedom has deteriorated. Ethiopia’s economy is resilient and has outperformed peers, partly driven by foreign investment, but inflation is high and dependence on…

In Djibouti, authoritative governance is restricting civic liberties with deteriorating perception of corruption. However, despite being "mostly unfree," the country’s economy attracts foreign investments and maintains inflation control via a…

During 2023, many consumers in South Africa have been experiencing tough economic conditions. As a result, they have been cutting back on their discretionary spending due to lower disposable incomes. Similarly, consumers have been prioritising the…

Lab grown diamonds are gaining popularity in South Africa, and the reason for this is twofold. The first reason is that lab-grown diamonds are cheaper. Consumers have seen falling disposable incomes in 2023, and therefore lab-grown diamonds have…

Preparing and eating more meals at home meant that cooking ingredients and meals saw a spike in demand when the pandemic hit Middle East and Africa in 2020. However, in recent years, including 2023, volume sales have been struggling in the face of…

During 2023, many South Africans have been battling to survive financially. Due to consumers being cash-strapped, they have been prioritising the purchase of essential products, including items such as food, fuel, and mortgage or rent. With this…

In adhesive bandages, new technologies and delivery formats have been introduced. Waterproof adhesive bandages have gained popularity, offering protection in wet environments and during activities like swimming. Furthermore, there has been a rise in…

Wound care exhibited modest volume growth in 2023. In the inflationary climate, local brands have emerged as the preferred choice for consumers in lower income brackets, owing to their affordability and accessibility through traditional distribution…

Overweight and obesity have witnessed a surge in Nigeria, particularly in urban areas where the consumption of processed, unhealthy foods high in fats and calories is prevalent. Consequently, there has been an increased demand for OTC medications to…

Weight loss supplements accounted for the largest proportion of sales in 2023, partly due to the wider availability of brands and higher unit prices compared to slimming teas. With the rising cost of living, consumers are shifting their expenditure…

During the outbreak of COVID-19, consumers were buying vitamin products as a preventive measure. In addition, there was a widespread belief that Vitamin C could enhance the immune system and reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. However, with the…

Vitamins is witnessing healthy volume growth in 2023 despite high inflation. Rising health consciousness in Kenya, which was bolstered by the pandemic, is leading to increased demand for vitamins. Multivitamins are one of the most popular products,…

Like fresh coffee, loose black tea is monopolised by the Office du Commerce de la Tunisie (OCT) in Tunisia for importation and distribution. Due to financial constraints faced by the OCT, leading to an inability to settle payments with international…

In Kenya, sports nutrition is rapidly advancing and enjoyed robust current value growth in 2023. This momentum is driven by the rising health and wellness trend, with individuals increasingly acknowledging the importance of a healthy lifestyle and…

Eswatini, Africa's last absolute monarchy, faces challenges with limited economic freedom and growing corruption. Country’s economy, heavily influenced by South Africa and suffering from high unemployment, is expected to underperform compared to its…

Eritrea's political environment is marked by persistent autocracy, with no movement towards democratisation. Corruption is rampant, and tensions with neighbouring countries persist. Military-controlled economy, reliance on remittances and exposure to…

Equatorial Guinea faces low levels of economic freedom and pervasive corruption, with significant political instability. Country’s economy, heavily dependent on hydrocarbons, is threatened by declining oil production, despite growth seen in 2022. The…

Sales of paediatric consumer health products are driven by parents being inclined to invest more to secure the best medication for their children, especially for infants. In this context, imported brands hold greater appeal as they are often…

When the health of their children is concerned, Kenyan parents are generally hesitant to take risks and experiment with new brands. They tend to adhere to established brands that have undergone thorough testing and come highly recommended by medical…

Inflation and other economic pressures meant that other hot drinks saw significant hikes in unit price in Tunisia in 2023. This was further exacerbated by the global increases in raw material costs, especially cacao sourced from west African…