Africa Diaper Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

Africa Diaper Market Outlook

The Africa diaper market size was around USD 4.21 billion in 2023. The market is further estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% between 2024 and 2032.

Key Takeaways

• Sub-Saharan Africa has a fertility rate of 4.45, and Niger, Chad, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo lead the region with fertility rates of over 6.0.

• Africa is experiencing a steady decline in infant mortality rate (-2.6% from 2020), contributing to a greater demand for diapers.

• Innovations such as maximum skin protection and anti-leakage features in diapers are increasingly being demanded after across Africa.

Baby wipes and diapers are two necessities for infant care that reduce the risk of bacterial illness and offer comfort. The lifestyle and the standard of living of people in the West African region are improving along with rising awareness of hygiene, which is supporting the Africa diaper market development.

Increasing urbanisation, an expanding older population suffering from urinary incontinence, and development of the healthcare sector are some of the major reasons driving the adult diaper segment growth in Africa. Adult diapers are commonly worn by individuals with typical health conditions such as incontinence, mobility issues, or dementia.

The diaper market is directly correlated with the population growth. Africa holds a significant share of the world's population with a year-over-year population growth of 2.49%.

Figure: Population Growth in Africa (2018-2023)

Key Trends and Developments

Population growth in Africa; rising awareness regarding the importance of diapers; growing demand for sustainable products; and the presence of favourable government initiatives are the major factors impacting the Africa diaper market growth

Nov 8, 2023

Procter and Gamble (P&G) announced the launch of a new manufacturing line at its Pampers facility in Kempton Park, South Africa. The new manufacturing line will produce Pampers Premium Care diaper range.

Aug 20, 2022

Hayat Kimya launched an eco-friendly baby diaper and sanitary pad, namely, Bebem Natural Essence Baby Diaper and Molped Sanitary Pad in Nigeria. The products, inspired by nature, are made from sustainably sourced natural bamboo fibres and organic cotton extract.

Apr 8, 2022

L’il Masters Diapers, the South African indigenous diaper manufacturer, announced that it was doubling its factory size to 7,000 sqm at the Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone, north of Durban.

Mar 9, 2022

Kimberly-Clark launched a USD 100 million diaper manufacturing facility in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria. The advanced facility, equipped with enhanced capabilities and technology, is aimed at providing Nigerian consumers with high-quality feminine and baby care products, further strengthening the company’s presence in the country.

Africa Diaper Market Trends

According to estimates of the United Nations in the annual ‘World Population Prospects’, released in July 2022, countries of sub-Saharan Africa - Nigeria, Congo, Ethiopia, and Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – are expected to contribute to over half of the population boom by 2050. Further, based on estimates of the United States Census Bureau’s International Database, by 2050, the older African population (aged 60 years and older) is projected to total 235 million, surpassing that of Latin America and Northern America.

A growing elderly population Increases the risk of health ailments. For adults suffering from conditions such as incontinence, mobility impairment, severe diarrhoea or dementia, diapers are necessary. Adult diapers are made in such a way that they are convenient and comfortable to use.

Rising disposable income and expanding population

The growing population in Africa and the rising disposable income are boosting the consumption of diapers. The changing lifestyle of West African working women is resulting in increased demand for good quality baby diapers.

Rising health awareness

International companies in the region are introducing programmes to spread awareness regarding the benefits of using diapers and the number of times they should be changed. Additionally, they are introducing promotional offers with diaper packs to influence consumer decisions and increase their market share.

Demand for sustainable diapers

The rising concerns regarding sustainability are resulting in the launch of eco-friendly disposable diapers made from organic raw materials that are safe for the environment.

Favourable government initiatives

Kenya’s government considers diapers as “essential items” and has been encouraging manufacturing firms to set up shop in the country to supply the East African region. Diaper firms are allowed to import materials important for manufacturing, largely plastics, duty-free.

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Market Segmentation

“Africa Diaper Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Product Type

• Baby Diaper
  • Breakup by Type
    • Disposable Diapers 
    • Training Diapers 
    • Cloth Diapers 
    • Swim Pants 
    • Biodegradable Diapers 
  • Breakup by Size
    • Small and Extra Small 
    • Medium 
    • Large
• Adult Diaper
  • Pad Type
  • Flat Type
  • Pant Type

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

• Pharmacies

• Convenience Stores

• Online Stores

• Others

Market Breakup by Country

• Egypt

• South Africa

• Nigeria

• Kenya

• Tanzania

• Morocco

• Algeria

• Ethiopia

• Namibia

• Others

Based on product type, baby diaper dominates the Africa diaper market share owing to the increasing demand from new parents

Manufacturers are offering a range of baby diapers that have a wetness indicator, a dual leakage barrier, and an absorbent gel that will keep the baby dry for several hours and are completely fragrance and chemical free.

Additionally, government efforts to increase the percentage of women in the region's workforce are enhancing their spending power, boosting the purchase of disposable baby diapers.

Africa’s rising ageing population is increasing the consumption of adult diapers designed to neutralise odour and protect against moderate incontinence.

Based on distribution channel, supermarkets and hypermarkets account for a significant share of the Africa diaper market

In Morocco, manufacturers are utilising multiple distribution networks to sell their products. Several manufacturers in the region produce diapers under their brand names and also supply several private-label products to retail and wholesale traders across Africa.

South Africa has a mature modern retail sector, with supermarkets such as Shoprite, Pick ‘n’ Pay, and Spar aiding diaper sales. Supermarkets are rapidly expanding their presence across Zambia, Nigeria, and South Africa, among others.

Convenience stores owned by local entrepreneurs are growing in Egyptian cities, namely Cairo and Alexandria. In Kenya, local modern retail chains are seeking expansion with the help of convenience stores and small supermarkets and by franchising.

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Competitive Landscape

The market players are involved in innovations to create better quality products like adding anti-leakage features in their diaper products.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

With headquarters in the United States, the company is one of the largest producers of personal care products. They operate through three business segments including Personal Care, Consumer Tissue, and K-C Professional (KCP).

The Procter & Gamble Company

Founded in 1837, the Procter & Gamble Company is one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies and home to iconic, trusted brands, including Always, Charmin, Braun, Fairy, Febreze, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Oral B, Pantene, Pampers, Tide, and Vicks.

African Cotton Industries Ltd.

African Cotton Industries Ltd is an indigenous Kenyan Company engaged in the manufacture of products for all age groups including baby, adult, personal, feminine, institutional, and home hygiene products.

Hayat Kimya San A.Åž.

Hayat, based in Turkey is one of the largest branded diaper producers and largest tissue paper manufacturers in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Africa.

Other notable players operating in the Africa diaper market are L’il Masters, Unicharm Corporation, and National Pride (Pty) Ltd., among others.

Africa Diaper Market Analysis by Region

Modern cloth nappies are gaining popularity in South Africa among consumers looking for sustainable alternatives to disposable products. The increasing demand for eco-friendly products is also driving the share of biodegradable diapers in the overall Africa diaper market.

In Nigeria, there is a high consumer awareness regarding the benefits of disposable diapers over cloth ones, increasing their adoption by middle- and upper-class consumers.

With an increasing birth rate, the consumption of diapers in Kenya is gradually rising with the government encouraging manufacturing firms to set up units in Kenya to supply the East African region. As of June 2021, Kenya had a total of seven diaper manufacturing firms which were allowed to import manufacturing materials, including plastics, duty-free.

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Africa Diaper Market Report Snapshots

Africa Diaper Market Size

Africa Diaper Market Trends

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Africa Diaper Market Regional Analysis