Africa’s packaging and printing industry is experiencing rapid growth, and Nilpeter is setting its sights on the continent with a stronger presence than ever before in 2025
Recognising the vast potential and increasing demand for high-quality label and flexible packaging solutions, Nilpeter has planned participation in six key exhibitions across Africa throughout the year.
The schedule kicks off in February with Prinpact Alger in Algeria, followed by ProPak South Africa in March and ProPak East Africa in Kenya in May. Later in the year, Nilpeter will attend Ethiopia Plastprintpack in June, ProPak West Africa in Nigeria in September, and Print 2 Pack in Egypt in September. Several of these exhibitions are held in collaboration with Nilpeter’s local African partners, ensuring a strong regional presence and support for customers.
“Africa presents a significant opportunity for growth in the printing and packaging industry. We see a strong demand for efficient and reliable solutions that can support local converters in meeting the evolving needs of the market,” says Thomas Andersen, Nilpeter’s area Sales manager. “By participating in six major exhibitions across the continent, we are ensuring that we are close to our customers, listening to their challenges, and showcasing how our Flexo technology can provide long-term value.”
Market trends and Flexo’s role in Africa
Africa’s packaging market is currently valued at $43.48 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.85% through 2029. While South Africa remains the dominant player, markets in East Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania, are emerging as key growth areas.
Key industry trends include the expansion of digital printing to meet demand for short-run, high-quality packaging and increased focus on sustainability initiatives, such as the Kenya Plastics Pact, which promotes recyclable packaging and a circular economy. At the same time, competition is intensifying, with offset printers entering the market and putting pressure on profit margins.
With Africa’s youthful population and growing urbanisation, demand for flexible packaging and smaller product sizes is rising. This presents a strong opportunity for both Flexo and digital printing technologies. While digital printing is ideal for short-run, customised packaging, Flexo remains the preferred choice for high-volume production with minimal waste, making it well-suited for converters looking to optimise efficiency in the fast-changing African market.
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