ICYMI: Nigeria’s Can-Do Aluminium Trade

Every time you toss an empty beverage can, someone else might be pocketing a few Naira or exporting it across African borders.

Across Africa, demand for aluminium cans is steadily rising, and Nigeria is quietly positioning itself as a key supplier. Between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025, aluminium cans consistently ranked among Nigeria’s top exports to other African countries, with the exception of Q3 2024.

This growing trade reflects not just economic momentum, but also a broader shift in packaging trends and environmental consciousness. As awareness of the environmental drawbacks of plastic packaging increases, more consumers are turning to canned beverages as an alternative. Aluminium, with its high recyclability and lower environmental footprint compared to single-use plastic, is emerging as the preferred packaging material.

In Nigeria, this trend is supported by a robust informal collection system, a growing network of aggregators, and increasing demand from regional recyclers.

With the demand for aluminium expected to continue to grow, the future of this export commodity in Nigeria looks promising. The sector not only offers economic opportunity but also aligns with Africa’s broader goals for environmental sustainability.

However, despite this long-term potential, the value of aluminium cans exported from Nigeria to other African countries declined in Q1 2025 compared to the same quarter in 2024.

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