Nigeria has been ranked as the largest consumer of soft drinks in Sub-Saharan Africa, maintaining a strong lead over other nations on the continent despite prevailing economic hurdles. This was revealed by the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) during a press briefing held in Lagos in preparation for the upcoming drinktec 2025 trade fair.
According to data presented by VDMA, Nigeria’s total soft drink consumption exceeded 53 billion litres in 2024, outpacing countries such as Ghana and South Africa. The figures underscore the country’s resilient beverage market, which continues to grow in the face of inflation, naira devaluation, and rising operational costs.
The consumption boom, experts say, is largely driven by Nigeria’s expanding population, rapid urbanisation, and the emergence of a growing middle class. These demographic trends have continued to sustain consumer demand across various segments of the non-alcoholic beverage industry.
In 2024 alone, bottled water accounted for the largest share of the market with 48.7 billion litres consumed. This figure is projected to grow by 27 percent over the next four years, reaching an estimated 62 billion litres by 2028. Carbonated soft drinks followed with 3.4 billion litres sold in 2024, a number that is expected to rise to 4.4 billion litres by 2028. Energy drinks are forecasted to experience a 30 percent growth rate over the same period, while the juice segment, though smaller in volume, is also recording steady gains.
“The Nigerian beverage market is expanding quickly due to increasing accessibility and affordability,” VDMA noted, citing statistics from Euromonitor International. The association emphasised that despite economic pressures, Nigerians continue to prioritise convenient and refreshing drink options, making the country a key focus for global beverage players.
Looking ahead to drinktec 2025, scheduled to take place in Munich, Germany, from September 15 to 19, VDMA confirmed that Nigerian representation at the global trade fair will be significant. As a major exhibitor and technical partner of the event, the association expressed optimism that increased Nigerian participation will signal greater collaboration and investment opportunities for the local beverage and liquid food industry.
Drinktec, recognised as the world’s leading trade show for the beverage and liquid food sector, is expected to attract industry stakeholders, manufacturers, and innovators from across the globe. With Nigeria’s soft drinks market showing sustained growth and investor interest, the country is poised to leverage international platforms like drinktec to further expand its industrial footprint in the beverage space.
