Tunis, Casablanca, Le Caire, Lagos… Que contient le panier de l’Aïd cette année ? - Jeune Afrique

As Muslim-majority African nations prepare for Eid al-Fitr celebrations, the contents of household shopping baskets tell a critical story about consumer purchasing power and inflationary pressures that should concern European retailers and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) investors operating across the continent. The Eid period—marked by increased household consumption, family gatherings, and festive purchases—traditionally serves as a reliable barometer for consumer health and discretionary spending patterns. This year, however, preliminary market observations from key urban centers including Tunis, Casablanca, Cairo, and Lagos suggest a marked shift in purchasing behaviors, with households increasingly trading down to budget alternatives and reducing basket volumes despite seasonal spending occasions. **The Inflation Squeeze Across Major Markets** North African markets continue to grapple with elevated inflation that has persisted well into 2024. Tunisia, in particular, has experienced currency pressures that have made imported goods substantially more expensive for local consumers. Morocco's Casablanca market reflects similar dynamics, with consumers becoming more selective about premium product categories. In Egypt, where currency devaluation occurred in late 2023, purchasing power erosion remains acute, forcing households to prioritize essential items—particularly staples like flour, sugar, and cooking oils—over discretionary purchases that typically characterize festive occasions. Lagos, as West Africa's largest consumer market, demonstrates