The African market for coated printing and writing paper is projected to experience moderate but steady growth over the next decade, driven by increasing demand across key sectors. Market volume is expected to reach 546,000 tons by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of +1.4% between 2024 and 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of +1.8%, reaching $627 million by 2035.
Current Market Overview
In 2024, Africa’s consumption of coated printing and writing papers jumped 17% year-on-year to 467,000 tons, despite a longer-term declining trend since peaking at 616,000 tons in 2016.
Market revenue rose 11% in 2024 to $513 million, though overall growth remains relatively flat compared to past highs.
Top Consumers
The leading consumers in 2024 were:
Egypt (116K tons)
South Africa (113K tons)
Morocco (38K tons)
Together, they accounted for 57% of total consumption.
Other notable markets include Algeria, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Uganda recorded the highest consumption growth rate (+8.2% CAGR), while South Africa led in per capita consumption at 1,822 kg per 1,000 persons
Africa’s Imports of Coated Printing and Writing Paper
In 2024, imports surged 18% to 448,000 tons. However, volumes remain below their 2022 peak of 598,000 tons.
Import value also increased significantly to $595 million, though slightly lower than the $765 million peak in 2022.
Key Importing Countries:
Egypt (122K tons)
South Africa (97K tons)
Algeria (37K tons)
Morocco (37K tons)
Tunisia (21K tons)
Uganda posted the fastest import growth (+7.9% CAGR), while Ethiopia showed the highest growth in import value (+8.5% CAGR).
Imported Product Breakdown (2024)
Top imported products included:
Coated paper/board with kaolin, in rolls (160K tons)
Coated sheets exceeding 435mm x 297mm (125K tons)
Other coated paper/board for printing (86K tons)
These categories accounted for 83% of total imports.
In terms of value, the fastest-growing import segment was coated paper/board in rolls (+7.1% CAGR).
Conclusion:
Africa’s coated printing and writing paper market is stabilizing, with demand gradually picking up. Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco remain the key players in both consumption and imports. Imports continue to play a vital role in meeting regional demand, particularly for specialty coated papers.
Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform
