Africa drives pet food market growth: Mordor Intelligence  

AFRICA – Africa is emerging as one of the fastest-growing regions in the global pet food market, with an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.28%, according to recent data from Mordor Intelligence. 

The burgeoning middle class and increasing urbanisation in Africa are fueling pet ownership and, by extension, the demand for high-quality pet food.  

While the global pet food market is projected to grow from US$192.51 billion in 2024 to US$290.01 billion by 2029, a CAGR of 8.54%, Africa’s growth rate is outpacing other regions. 

Urbanisation across the continent has spurred a cultural shift, with more households adopting pets as companions. 

This trend, coupled with rising disposable incomes, enables pet owners to invest in better nutrition and specialised diets for their animals.  

North America leads, but Africa closes the gap  

North America remains the largest pet food market, holding a 44.25% share in 2022. However, Africa’s rapid expansion highlights the region’s potential to become a significant player in the global market. 

With its youthful population and growing middle class, according to Statista, the demand for premium, organic, and functional pet food products is expected to soar.  

This surge places the continent as a growth leader alongside South America, which is also experiencing rapid growth at a CAGR of 12.1%, driven by similar factors. 

Dogs dominate the global market 

The Mordor Intelligence data further indicates that dogs lead the pet food market globally, accounting for 39.4% of total sales in 2022 and capturing a significant share of US$80.03 billion. 

This trend is set to persist, with the dog food market forecasted to grow to US$156.60 billion by 2029, fueled by the large dog population and the wide variety of dog food products available.

However, smaller pets like rabbits, birds, and hamsters are also gaining traction as pet ownership diversifies. 

The bird food segment, for instance, is growing steadily, reflecting a broader shift in consumer preferences.  

This segment was valued at US$10.29 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach US$13.64 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.7%.

The road ahead  

The future of the pet food market looks promising, with innovation driving its growth as pet owners increasingly seek products that address specific health needs, such as improving digestion, joint health, skin and coat condition, and overall well-being. 

Personalised pet food is also gaining traction, with manufacturers offering tailored diets based on breed, age, weight, and activity level to optimise pet health. 

Additionally, as environmental awareness increases, pet food companies are adopting sustainable packaging solutions, including recyclable and biodegradable materials.

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