Africa and LATAM Enteral Nutrition Market Research, 2034
The Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market size was valued at $252.66 million in 2023 and is estimated to reach $465.32 million by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.8% from 2024 to 2034.
The Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market is expected to grow owing to surge in chronic disease prevalence, rise in elderly population, and increase in cases of malnutrition. Improved healthcare infrastructure, especially in Latin America, and greater access to medical care are enhancing adoption of enteral nutritional products. Technological advancements in feeding devices and rise in preference for enteral over parenteral nutrition due to safety and cost-effectiveness further support Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market growth. In Africa, digital health initiatives and e-commerce platforms improve access, while government and NGO efforts raise awareness about clinical nutrition solutions.
Key Takeaways
- By age group, the adult segment was the highest contributor to the market in 2023. However, the pediatric segment is expected to register the highest CAGR in the forecast period.
- By product composition, the standard enteral nutrition segment was the highest contributor to the market in 2023. However, the disease-specific segment is expected to register the highest CAGR in the forecast period.
- By distribution channel, the hospital pharmacies segment was the highest contributor to the market in 2023. However, the online pharmacies segment is expected to register the highest CAGR in the forecast period.
- By region, LATAM garnered the largest revenue share in 2023. However, French West Africa is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.
Enteral nutrition is a method of delivering nutrients directly into the digestive tract, typically through a tube inserted into the stomach or small intestine, for individuals who are unable to meet their nutritional needs through regular oral intake. It is commonly used in patients with conditions such as stroke, cancer, neurological disorders, or gastrointestinal diseases that impair normal eating or swallowing. Enteral nutrition provides balanced formulations containing carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, tailored to specific medical conditions and patient requirements. It helps maintain or improve nutritional status, supports recovery, and reduces the risk of complications related to malnutrition.
Market Dynamics
Growth of the Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market is primarily driven by the rise in prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disorders. According to a 2025 article by the World Health Organization, gastric cancer is the ninth most common type of cancer in Africa. The gastric cancer incidence rate in Africa is expected to increase by more than 100% by 2045.
These conditions often impair patients’ ability to consume or absorb nutrients orally, boosting the demand for medically supervised nutritional support. As healthcare systems in these regions work to improve diagnosis and long-term disease management, enteral nutrition is becoming an essential part of clinical care. Furthermore, rise in awareness among healthcare professionals about the benefits of enteral feeding in managing chronic illnesses contributes to greater adoption of these nutritional products in hospitals, clinics, and homecare settings, thereby fueling Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market expansion.
Rise in elderly population across Africa and the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region significantly drives the growth of the enteral nutrition market. As life expectancy increases and birth rates decline in several MEA countries, the proportion of older adults is rising steadily. According to Department of Statistics South Africa, the proportion of South Africans aged 60 and older has been steadily increasing, rising from 7.0% in 1996 to 9.8% in 2022. This demographic shift brings with it a surge in age-related health issues such as chronic diseases (including diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer), frailty, and gastrointestinal disorders, which often impair normal eating habits and require medical nutrition support. Older adults are more prone to malnutrition and functional decline, making enteral nutrition a critical intervention to maintain their health and improve quality of life.
In addition, rise in number of geriatric patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home care settings boosts the demand for convenient and effective nutritional products such as powdered formulas and ready-to-use liquid feeds. As governments and private healthcare providers in the region place greater emphasis on elderly care and chronic disease management, the enteral nutrition market is expected to witness robust growth.
Rise in incidence of malnutrition across Africa and the Middle East & Africa (MEA) region is a major factor propelling the growth of the enteral nutrition market. Widespread poverty, food insecurity, conflict, and limited access to quality healthcare have led to alarming rates of undernutrition, particularly among children, pregnant women, and the elderly. According to a 2023 article by United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, over 7 million children under the age of 5 remain malnourished across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. Enteral nutrition offers a viable solution by delivering essential nutrients directly to individuals who are unable to meet their nutritional needs orally, thus driving increased demand in hospitals, clinics, and home care settings. As governments and international aid agencies intensify efforts to combat malnutrition, the adoption of enteral feeding solutions is expected to expand significantly in the region.
The Africa and Middle East (MEA) Enteral Nutrition Market faces several restraints that hinder its growth. Limited healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved areas, restricts access to enteral nutrition products and services. Economic instability and low per capita healthcare expenditure across many countries in the region further limit patient affordability and government support for advanced nutritional therapies. In addition, lack of awareness among healthcare professionals and patients regarding the benefits of enteral nutrition, along with cultural stigma associated with tube feeding, poses significant challenges for Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market growth. Moreover, inconsistent regulatory frameworks and logistical hurdles related to product distribution act as barriers to market expansion.
Segmental Overview
The Africa and LATAM Enteral Nutrition Market is segmented on the basis of age group, product composition, distribution channel, and region. On the basis of age group, the market is divided into adult, geriatric, infant, and pediatric. On the basis of product composition, the market is segregated into standard enteral nutrition, disease specific, and others. On the basis of distribution channel, the market is classified into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and others. Region-wise, the Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market is analyzed across North Africa (Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Libya, and Rest of North Africa), West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, and Rest of West Africa), East Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Rest Of East Africa), South Africa (South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Rest Of South Africa), French West Africa (Ivory, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Rest Of French West Africa), and LATAM (Brazil, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Rest Of LATA).
Africa and LATAM Enteral Nutrition Market, Age Group
The adult segment dominated the Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market in 2023 owing to the high prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, and neurological conditions that require nutritional support. In addition, urbanization and lifestyle changes in the region have contributed to increased cases of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases among adults, further driving demand for enteral nutrition
By Age Group
Adults segment held a dominant position in the market in 2023 and Pediatric segment is anticipated to grow at a fastest rate during the forecast period.
Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market, Product Composition
The standard enteral nutrition segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2023, due to its wide applicability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of availability. Standard formulas are typically suitable for a broad patient population with normal digestion and absorption capabilities, making enteral nutrition preferred in both hospital and home care settings across the region.
By Product Composition
Standard Enteral Nutrition segment held a dominant position in the market in 2023, however Disease Specific segment is anticipated to grow at a fastest rate during the forecast period.
Africa and LATAM Enteral Nutrition Market, Distribution Channel
The hospital pharmacies segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2023. This is attributed to the high reliance on institutional healthcare settings for the administration of enteral nutrition, especially for critically ill and elderly patients. In the MEA region, a significant portion of enteral nutrition products are dispensed within hospitals, where medical supervision ensures appropriate formulation and dosage. In addition, the limited availability of advanced home healthcare services and a lower penetration of retail pharmacies for clinical nutrition support further reinforce the role of hospital pharmacies as the primary distribution channel.
By Application
Hospital Pharmacies segment held a dominant position in the market in 2023 and However, online pharmacies segment is anticipated to grow at a fastest rate during the forecast period.
Africa and LATAM Enteral Nutrition Market, Region
LATAM region has emerged as a major revenue generator in the Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market owing to its well-established healthcare infrastructure and increasing awareness about clinical nutrition. Countries in Latin America, such as Brazil and Mexico, have made significant advancements in healthcare delivery, enabling greater adoption of enteral nutrition products for both hospital and home-based care. In addition, rising incidences of chronic diseases and malnutrition, coupled with growing elderly populations, have contributed to higher demand for enteral feeding solutions.
Competition Analysis
Major key players that operate in the Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market are Abbott Laboratories, Nestle, RESAF International Pty Ltd, Danone, Fresenius Group, B.Braun, Medline Industries, Global Health Products Inc, Nutrisens, and Kate Farms. Key players operating in the market have adopted acquisition as their key strategies to expand their product portfolio.
Recent Developments in the Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition Industry
- In March 2025, Nutrisens announced the acquisition of Prodiet. This acquisition marks Nutrisens’ entry into the Brazilian market and significantly expands its presence in Latin America, establishing a strong local platform to address the broader regional market.
Analyst Review
This section provides various opinions of top-level CXOs in the Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market. According to the insights of CXOs, the growth of the enteral nutrition market in Africa is being driven by an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disorders, which often necessitate nutritional support for patient recovery and long-term care. In addition, the region is witnessing a rise in the geriatric population, who are more susceptible to malnutrition and require enteral feeding due to age-related complications. Improvements in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in urban centers, have enhanced access to hospitals and specialized care, facilitating the adoption of enteral nutrition therapies. Growing awareness among healthcare professionals and caregivers about the benefits of clinical nutrition, along with initiatives by government and non-governmental organizations to combat malnutrition, further supports market growth.
The Africa and LATAM enteral nutritions market was valued at $ 252.66 million in 2023
The forecast period for Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market is 2024-2033.
The market value of Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market is estimated to reach $ 465.32 billion by 2034
The base year is 2023 in Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market
Major key players that operate in the Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market are Abbott Laboratories, Nestle, RESAF International Pty Ltd, Danone
The Africa and LATAM enteral nutrition market is witnessing growing demand driven by the rising prevalence of chronic illnesses and increasing awareness about clinical nutrition. There is a notable shift toward home-based enteral nutrition, supported by improved healthcare infrastructure and government initiatives in both regions
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