Nigeria has emerged as the largest consumer of soft drinks in Sub-Saharan Africa, recording over 53 billion litres in 2024, according to the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA). The announcement was made during a press conference held in Lagos ahead of the 2025 edition of drinktec, a global trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry.
Despite economic challenges such as rising inflation and a weakened naira, Nigeria’s beverage market continues to thrive, driven by a growing population, urbanisation, and an expanding middle class.
Bottled water led the consumption figures with 48.7 billion litres sold in 2024. This figure is projected to rise by 27 percent, reaching 62 billion litres by 2028. Carbonated soft drinks followed with 3.4 billion litres, expected to grow to 4.4 billion litres in the same period. Energy drinks are forecasted to increase by 30 percent, while fruit juices, though representing a smaller share, are also expected to grow steadily.
“The Nigerian beverage market is expanding quickly due to increasing accessibility and affordability,” VDMA said, referencing data from Euromonitor International.
drinktec 2025 is scheduled to take place in Munich from September 15 to 19. VDMA, a major exhibitor and technical partner at the event, noted that Nigerian participation is anticipated to be strong, especially as the country looks toward economic recovery.
