The size of the over-the-counter (OTC) drugs market in the Middle East and Africa was valued at USD 5.99 Billion in 2023. The MEA market is expected to be worth USD 8.93 billion by 2029 from USD 6.4 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 6.88% from 2024 to 2029.
The Middle East and African Over-the-Counter Drugs Market has accounted for significant growth in the past years and is projected to have a notable growth rate during the forecast period. The increased trend of personalized and self-medication practices with ease of availability of OTC drugs is majorly contributing to the expansion of the Middle East and African OTC drugs market. According to data provided by a survey report titled "Self-medication with over-the-counter drugs among consumers: a cross-sectional survey in a Southwestern State in Nigeria," stated that around 85.4% of the respondents practiced self-medication, of which 95% were involved in the risky practice. The increasing number of older people across the region, the growing number of tourists in the regional countries, and the rising basic medical knowledge among the people are expected to create growth opportunities for the OTC drugs market in the Middle East and Africa.
The growth of the Middle East and Africa over-the-counter (OTC) drugs market is primarily attributed to product innovation, high penetration in emerging markets, a favorable regulatory framework, and the trend for pharmaceutical companies to move from prescription to OTC. Over the next few years, the MEA over-the-counter (OTC) drugs market will likely record the highest growth rates in emerging markets like South Africa, Kuwait, Iran, etc. This, coupled with the growth of the middle class and the increase in the disposable income of the population in these regions, is supposed to increase the availability of OTC drugs. In the sales channels, supermarkets contribute to over-the-counter market growth as new channels for emerging markets enter the barrier-free market.
With the advances in technology and product innovation, SMEs are increasing their market presence by introducing new products at lower prices. Strong growth is anticipated from the growth of the healthcare industry and increased government investment in its development. OTC drug markets in countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa are expected to proliferate during the forecast period due to increasing awareness of over-the-counter drugs for treating minor health problems. Other factors driving the Middle East and Africa OTC drugs market are cultural perception changes, including self-medication for mild health problems, the convenience of direct purchase, affordable drugs, high adoption, and acceptance. The use of belts will include future savings, drug innovation, and development.
The increased cases of misuse of OTC drugs are major factors restraining the local market growth due to restricted adoption among the people. The presence of limited knowledge and attitudes is the primary reason for the misuse of over-the-counter drugs; according to the data published in the article "Current self-medication in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: An Observational Study," the majority of Saudi Arabians engage in self-medication and rely on advice from friends and family most of the time instead of consulting a health professional. This is due to various reasons; according to the report data, 46.1% of the respondents stated that it was found difficult to reach the hospital, and another 45.2% considered the inefficiency of health centers in providing necessary care as the primary reason for self-medication practices which is increasing the cases of misuse.
The stringent regulations for approving over-the-counter drugs and the strict regulations for importing and exporting drugs challenge manufacturers in expanding their regional market revenue. Unlike in various countries, OTC drugs are unavailable in supermarkets and hypermarkets in Saudi Arabia, which is the region's market growth. The increased chances of drug addiction due to frequent usage of the drug without consultation of the healthcare professional is estimated to limit the adoption rate among the people, which hampers the regional market growth. The increasing concerns about adulterated drugs with low quality and non-safety standards will impede the market growth rate in the coming years due to trust issues among consumers.
The cough, cold, and flu products segment dominated the Middle East and Africa OTC drugs market with a significant share. The increased prevalence of cough and cold among people, especially older people who are less resistant to bacteria and viruses due to low immunity levels, leads to the segment growth rate. The variations in climatic conditions and the increasing contagious viruses are escalating the demand for cold and cough medications, fueling the segment size growth.
The analgesics segment held the second largest share in the regional market revenue due to increased demand for painkillers among working people. People's sedentary lifestyles induce stress, leading to headaches, body aches, and other musculoskeletal issues. This enhances the demand for analgesics, contributing to the segment's growth.
The gastrointestinal products segment is estimated to grow considerably during the forecast period. The rising incidence of various stomach problems, such as diarrhea and vomiting, and gastric issues, such as bloating and acid reflux, are accelerating the adoption of gastrointestinal medications, leading to segment revenue growth.
The tablets segment held the most significant share of the regional market revenue due to the increased consumption of tablets for chronic diseases. Due to the growing demand for tablets, the segment is anticipated to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Various reports state that tablets are the easy route of administration and are preferred mainly by adults, driving the segment growth. The shelf-life and storage conditions are convenient for people, encouraging them to adopt this route of administration.
The liquids segment is projected to grow fastest in the coming years. The rising demand for liquid medications for children under 13 and older people who are unable to swallow complex products is augmenting the segment growth rate. Liquids are estimated to have faster action than tablets, boosting the market growth in the segment.
The other segments are expected to have a moderate growth rate during the forecast period due to increasing dermatological and respiratory issues among the people, which demand ointments and sprays among people.
The supermarkets and hypermarkets segment accounted for the most prominent share of the over-the-counter drugs market revenue in the Middle East and Africa. These stores have vast distribution networks, escalating the segment growth rate owing to continuous supply and collaborations with major brands. The availability of various products and medications in the same place and accessibility to various brands with affordable prices fuel the segment's revenue growth.
The online drug stores segment is expected to grow fastest, with a rapid growth rate during the forecast period. The increasing adoption of digital platforms, IoT penetration, and smartphone usage are boosting online retailing among people. The rising number of online retailers, which are enhancing the accessibility to various brands and products and allowing consumers to choose the desired products, is accelerating the segment growth.
The over-the-counter drugs market in the Middle East and Africa will likely grow considerably in the coming years. The growth of the middle class, increase in disposable income, rapid population growth, and the increasing availability of OTC drugs are factors driving the demand in the local market. Accessibility of supermarkets and emerging retail channels are also contributing to the growth of the OTC drugs market in the MEA. The major contributors to the OTC drugs business in the area are the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, South Africa, and others. Increasing consumer awareness will play a vital role in business expansion in the outlook period.
Africa is a newly emerging market in OTC drugs, as most African nations are underdeveloped. Amongst the developing countries, South Africa is the leading contributor to the African market. The major problem prevailing in the African market is drug substance abuse. Codeine used in Broncleer cough syrup is banned in South Africa, as it is considered the most abused OTC drug.
A few notable companies leading in the Middle East and Africa over-the-counter Drugs Market profiled in the report are GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson and Johnson, Novartis, Bayer, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Takeda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt are the key contributors to the over-the-counter drugs market in the Middle East.
Increasing awareness of self-medication, rising healthcare expenditure, and expanding access to healthcare services are driving the growth in Africa.
Growing demand for herbal and natural remedies, coupled with a surge in online retailing, is a notable trend in North Africa.
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