Africa Condom Market Expected to Reach $175.3 million by 2035

The Africa condom market size was valued at $115.6 million in 2023 and is projected to reach $175.3 million by 2035, registering a CAGR of 3.6% from 2024 to 2035.

A condom is a thin sheath typically made of latex or other materials, designed to cover the erect penis during sexual intercourse for the purpose of preventing unwanted pregnancy and reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS. Condoms act as a barrier, preventing sperm from entering the vagina and blocking direct skin-to-skin contact, thus reducing the transmission of STIs. Condoms are an essential tool in promoting safe sex practices and reproductive health worldwide.

The expansion of healthcare infrastructure across Africa plays a major role in boosting demand for condoms in the region. As healthcare facilities proliferate, particularly in underserved rural areas, access to contraceptives such as condoms becomes more widespread. The substantial investment into healthcare startups in Africa reached $3.5 billion in the first half of 2022, which signifies a significant opportunity for key players in the condom manufacturing business in the region. The surge in funding indicates a broader commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure across Africa, coupled with the growing focus on health tech innovation. Moreover, these facilities serve as distribution points for condoms, which makes condoms readily available to a larger segment of the population. In addition, the presence of healthcare infrastructure enables the implementation of sexual health education programs, where condoms are promoted as essential tools for preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies.

Moreover, the expansion of healthcare infrastructure facilitates the integration of condom distribution within existing healthcare services. Condoms are often provided free of charge or at subsidized rates through clinics, hospitals, and community health centers, which helps encourage the use of condoms among individuals who do not have access otherwise. Thus, as tech-driven healthcare organizations expand and innovate, these organizations are anticipated to seek partnerships with condom manufacturers to integrate sexual health products into their services, thereby increasing Africa condom market reach and accessibility.

However, the high prevalence of counterfeit condoms poses a significant restraint on the Africa condom market demand. For instance, in October 2023, a convenience shop in Gauteng was found selling laxative tablets and condoms, which are recycled from used and fake condoms under the brand name Lovers Plus condoms. The prevalence of counterfeit condoms, such as those recycled from used and fake condoms, reduces consumer trust and confidence in the safety and effectiveness of legitimate condom brands. The decline in market demand inhibits the growth of the Africa condom market, as consumers opt not to use condoms altogether or seek alternative methods of contraception due to concerns about product authenticity and reliability.

Counterfeit condoms are often of inferior quality, made from substandard materials, and lack proper manufacturing standards and regulatory guidelines. As a result, they fail to provide adequate protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies, leading to distrust and reluctance among consumers to use condoms. Furthermore, the proliferation of counterfeit condoms contributes to market distortion and unfair competition, as legitimate manufacturers struggle to compete with cheaper, counterfeit products. Thus, high prevalence of fake and counterfeit condoms is expected to hamper the growth of the Africa condom market, deter investment in quality assurance & product innovation, and ultimately limit the availability of safe & effective condoms for consumers.

Moreover, the increased efforts of government on implementation of various initiatives for HIV/AIDS prevention has created numerous opportunities for key players in the Africa condom market. Government bodies have intensified efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic by implementation of comprehensive prevention programs that include promoting condom use. The increased focus on public health initiatives translates into greater awareness about the importance of safe sex practices and the pivotal role condoms play in preventing the transmission of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). As a result, there is a surge in demand for condoms as it is a cost-effective and accessible tool for HIV/AIDS prevention, driving Africa condom market growth in upcoming years.

Furthermore, government-backed initiatives often involve the distribution of free or subsidized condoms through healthcare facilities, community outreach programs, and educational campaigns. Thus, the increased accessibility to condoms is anticipated to create a favorable environment for market expansion. The key players in the Africa condom market have the opportunity to collaborate with governments to supply condoms for these initiatives, positioning themselves as reliable partners in the region contributing to their brand visibility and market presence.

The Africa condoms market is segmented into type, end user, distribution channel, and country. On the basis of type, the market is categorized into latex and non-latex. By end user, it is bifurcated into men and women. Depending on distribution channel, it is divided into offline and online. Country-wise, it is analyzed across South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Angola, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and rest of Africa.

By type, the latex segment held the major Africa condom market share in 2023 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Latex condoms are highly effective in the prevention of pregnancy and STIs, which thus makes them widely accessible and affordable in Africa. Their stretchable nature provides a comfortable fit for different body types, which reduces breakage risk.

Increased awareness campaigns about HIV/AIDS and STIs, supported by government and non-governmental organizations, have promoted safer sex practices. Moreover, cultural shifts toward openness about sexual health have also reduced stigma, further driving the use of latex condom. As a result, the latex condom segment has experienced significant growth in Africa, benefiting from its effectiveness, affordability, accessibility, and cultural acceptance which expected to create more opportunities in the Africa condom market.

By end user, the male segment dominated the market in 2023 and is anticipated to continue the Africa condom market trends during the forecast period, as men's condoms are widely accessible and distributed in both urban and rural areas through health programs. In many African societies, the use of male condoms is more culturally accepted and less stigmatized than female condoms.

Moreover, people are more familiar with the usage and application of male condoms, as they have been around for a longer time and are more widely promoted through various educational campaigns. As a result, men's condoms remain the preferred and are the most sold option in Africa condom industry.

By distribution channel, the chemist shops segment exhibited the highest growth in 2023 and is anticipated to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. Chemist shops play a crucial role as accessible and trusted outlets for contraceptives and sexual health products in Africa. Their widespread presence ensures easy access to condoms in urban and rural areas, addressing diverse population needs. Offering a private environment, they mitigate cultural sensitivities around sexual health discussions.

Chemist shops provide various condom brands, sizes, and types, catering to preferences. Pharmacists present in the chemist shops offer valuable guidance on condom use, promoting safe sex practices and dispelling misconceptions. In addition, subsidized prices make condoms affordable, enhancing accessibility for low-income individuals. All such factors collectively drive significant condom sales in chemist shops during Africa condom market forecast.

The major players operating in the Africa condoms market are Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc, Church and Dwight Co. Inc, HLL Lifecare Limited, Ansell Ltd., Gemilatex (Pty) Ltd., DKT International, Inc., Karex Berhad, Thai Nippon Rubber Industry Public Company Limited, Cupid Limited, and Okamoto Industries, Inc.

Key Findings Of Study 

• By type, the latex segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2023.
• By end user, the male segment was the largest segment in the Africa condom market during the forecast period.
• By distribution channel, chemist shops segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2023.