Bitumen Market Trends Across Africa | East & West Africa, February 2026

As African bitumen markets move beyond the seasonal slowdown, early February 2026 marks
the beginning of a gradual but clear recovery phase. This review covers East and West Africa, with a focus on Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ivory Coast.

Kenya Bitumen Market

The Kenyan market remains largely stable, with early signs of upward movement.
After the holiday period, demand is slowly returning, and market activity has increased
compared to the previous week.
While the environment is still calm, price levels appear to have found a floor. From a negotiation
perspective, delaying purchase decisions may expose buyers to higher prices as demand
continues to normalize.

Tanzania Bitumen Market

In Tanzania, the market continues to hold steady. Buyers are cautious, and supply is available without significant pressure. Negotiation channels remain open; however, sellers are not under urgency to offer price concessions. This reflects a balanced market where stability, rather than competition, defines
current pricing behavior.

Nigeria Bitumen Market

Nigeria is showing clear upward momentum. Increased project activity, the arrival of new cargoes, and growing real demand have pushed the market into an absorption phase.
As a result, the purchasing window has narrowed compared to last week. Buyers aiming to secure volume should act with greater speed, as pricing flexibility is becoming more limited.

Ivory Coast Bitumen Market

Ivory Coast continues to benefit from rising import interest across West Africa. Competition for available cargoes has intensified, supporting higher price direction. The market is currently responsive to fast, clear, and well-structured offers, making execution speed a key factor in successful negotiations.

South Africa Bitumen Market

In South Africa, market direction is shifting from stable toward upward. Recent weather-related disruptions have eased, allowing import planning to resume more actively. While prices have not yet experienced a sharp increase, timely supply has become a growing competitive advantage. Buyers securing material early are better positioned as demand accelerates.

Insight by Milad Ahmadi from Infinity Galaxy:

Following the seasonal slowdown, African bitumen markets are entering a phase of gradual
demand recovery. West Africa is leading this movement, supported by project-driven demand and active imports, while East Africa is stabilizing and preparing for potential upward adjustment.
This is not a period for aggressive discount pressure, nor is it a time for delayed decision-making. Momentum is building slowly but steadily, making timing, supply readiness, and execution more critical than price negotiation alone