Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) in South Africa was reported at 18.77 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Africa - Birth rate, crude - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on August of 2025.

In 2025, there are six countries, all in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the average woman of childbearing age can expect to have between 5-6 children throughout their lifetime. In fact, of the 20 countries in the world with the highest fertility rates, Afghanistan and Yemen are the only countries not found in Sub-Saharan Africa. High fertility rates in Africa With a fertility rate of almost six children per woman, Chad is the country with the highest fertility rate in the world. Population growth in Chad is among the highest in the world. Lack of healthcare access, as well as food instability, political instability, and climate change, are all exacerbating conditions that keep Chad's infant mortality rates high, which is generally the driver behind high fertility rates. This situation is common across much of the continent, and, although there has been considerable progress in recent decades, development in Sub-Saharan Africa is not moving as quickly as it did in other regions. Demographic transition While these countries have the highest fertility rates in the world, their rates are all on a generally downward trajectory due to a phenomenon known as the demographic transition. The third stage (of five) of this transition sees birth rates drop in response to decreased infant and child mortality, as families no longer feel the need to compensate for lost children. Eventually, fertility rates fall below replacement level (approximately 2.1 children per woman), which eventually leads to natural population decline once life expectancy plateaus. In some of the most developed countries today, low fertility rates are creating severe econoic and societal challenges as workforces are shrinking while aging populations are placin a greater burden on both public and personal resources.

Fertility rate, total (births per woman) in South Africa was reported at 2.216 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Africa - Fertility rate, total (births per woman) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on August of 2025.

Somalia was the African country with the highest fertility rate in 2023. There, each woman had an average of around 6.1 children in her reproductive years. Fertility levels in Africa remain high despite a steady decline The fertility rate in Africa has gradually decreased since 2000 and is projected to decline further in the coming years. Factors including improved socio-economic conditions and educational opportunities, lower infant mortality, and decreasing poverty levels have driven the declining birth rate on the continent. Nevertheless, Africa remains the continent with the highest fertility rate worldwide. As of 2023, women in Africa had an average of 4.07 children in their reproductive years. Africa was the only continent registering a fertility rate higher than the global average, which was set at 2.4 children per woman. Worldwide, the continent also had the highest adolescent fertility rate as of 2022, with West and Central Africa leading with 105 births per 1,000 girls aged 15 to 19 years. Africa’s population keeps growing According to projections, over 46 million births will be registered in Africa in 2023. Contrary to the declining fertility rate, the absolute number of births on the continent will continue to grow in the coming years to reach around 49.4 million by 2030. In general, Africa’s population – amounting to over 1.48 billion inhabitants as of 2023 – is forecast to increase considerably and achieve 2.5 billion in 2050. Countries such as Niger, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea are key drivers of population growth in Africa, registering the highest average population growth rate on the continent between 2020 and 2025. For instance, in that period, Niger’s population was forecast to expand by 3.7 percent each year.

Adolescent fertility rate (births per 1,000 women ages 15-19) in South Africa was reported at 51.56 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Africa - Adolescent fertility rate (births per 1,000 women ages 15-19) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

In 2024, the fertility rate in Africa was *** children per woman. The average number of newborn infants per woman on the continent decreased compared to 2000, when women had approximately **** children throughout their reproductive years. By 2030, fertility in Africa is projected to decline to around *** births per woman, yet it will remain high. The highest fertility rate worldwide Despite its gradually declining rate, fertility in Africa is the highest in the world. In 2023, the average fertility rate on the continent stood at **** children per woman, compared to a global average of **** births per woman. In contrast, Europe and North America were the continents with the lowest proportion of newborns, each registering a fertility rate below two children per woman. Additionally, Africa records the highest fertility rate among the young female population aged 15 to 19 years. In 2022, West and Central Africa had an adolescent fertility rate of nearly *** children per 1,000 girls, the highest value worldwide. Lower fertility in Northern Africa Fertility levels vary significantly across Africa. In 2023, Somalia, Chad, Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic were the countries with the highest fertility rates on the continent. In those countries, women had an average of over *** children in their reproductive years. The number of adolescent girls giving birth also differed within Africa. For instance, the adolescent fertility rate in North Africa stood at around **** children per 1,000 young women in 2023. On the other hand, Sub-Saharan Africa registered a higher rate of approximately **** children per 1,000 girls as of the same year. In general, higher poverty levels, inadequate social and health conditions, and increased infant mortality are some main drivers of higher fertility rates.

The total fertility rate of the world has dropped from around 5 children per woman in 1950, to 2.2 children per woman in 2025, which means that women today are having fewer than half the number of children that women did 75 years ago. Replacement level fertility This change has come as a result of the global demographic transition, and is influenced by factors such as the significant reduction in infant and child mortality, reduced number of child marriages, increased educational and vocational opportunities for women, and the increased efficacy and availability of contraception. While this change has become synonymous with societal progress, it does have wide-reaching demographic impact - if the global average falls below replacement level (roughly 2.1 children per woman), as is expected to happen in the 2050s, then this will lead to long-term population decline on a global scale. Regional variations When broken down by continent, Africa is the only region with a fertility rate above the global average, and, alongside Oceania, it is the only region with a fertility rate above replacement level. Until the 1980s, the average woman in Africa could expect to have 6-7 children over the course of their lifetime, and there are still several countries in Africa where women can still expect to have 5 or more children in 2025. Historically, Europe has had the lowest fertility rates in the world over the past century, falling below replacement level in 1975. Europe's population has grown through a combination of migration and increasing life expectancy, however even high immigration rates could not prevent its population from going into decline in 2021.

DATASET: Alpha version 2010, 2012, 2015, 2020, 2025, 2030, and 2035 estimates of numbers of pregnancies per grid square, with national totals adjusted to match national estimates on numbers of pregnancies made by the Guttmacher Institute (http://www.guttmacher.org/). REGION: Africa SPATIAL RESOLUTION: 0.000833333 decimal degrees (approx 100m at the equator) PROJECTION: Geographic, WGS84 UNITS: Estimated pregnancies per grid square MAPPING APPROACH: Tatem AJ, Campbell J, Guerra-Arias M, de Bernis L, Moran A, Matthews Z, 2014, Mapping for maternal and newborn health: the distributions of women of childbearing age, pregnancies and births, International Journal of Health Geographics, 13:2 FORMAT: Geotiff (zipped using 7-zip (open access tool): www.7-zip.org) FILENAMES: Example - BEN2010pregnancies.tif = Benin (BEN) pregnancies count map for 2010 adjusted to match UN national estimates on numbers of pregnancies. DATE OF PRODUCTION: May 2014

Sex ratio at birth (male births per female births) in South Africa was reported at 1.04 in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. South Africa - Sex ratio at birth (male births per female births) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on August of 2025.

While the BRICS countries are grouped together in terms of economic development, demographic progress varies across these five countries. In 2019, India and South Africa were the only BRICS countries with a fertility rate above replacement level (2.1 births per woman). Fertility rates since 2000 show that fertility in China and Russia has either fluctuated or remained fairly steady, as these two countries are at a later stage of the demographic transition than the other three, while Brazil has reached this stage more recently. Fertility rates in India are following a similar trend to Brazil, while South Africa's rate is progressing at a much slower pace. Demographic development is inextricably linked with economic growth; for example, as fertility rates drop, female participation in the workforce increases, as does the average age, which then leads to higher productivity and a more profitable domestic market.

DATASET: Alpha version 2010, 2012, 2015, 2020, 2025, 2030, and 2035 estimates of numbers of live births per grid square, with national totals adjusted to match UN national estimates on numbers of live births (http://esa.un.org/wpp/). REGION: Africa SPATIAL RESOLUTION: 0.000833333 decimal degrees (approx 100m at the equator) PROJECTION: Geographic, WGS84 UNITS: Estimated births per grid square MAPPING APPROACH: Tatem AJ, Campbell J, Guerra-Arias M, de Bernis L, Moran A, Matthews Z, 2014, Mapping for maternal and newborn health: the distributions of women of childbearing age, pregnancies and births, International Journal of Health Geographics, 13:2 FORMAT: Geotiff (zipped using 7-zip (open access tool): www.7-zip.org) FILENAMES: Example - BEN2010adjustedBirths.tif = Benin (BEN) births count map for 2010 adjusted to match UN national estimates on numbers of live births. DATE OF PRODUCTION: May 2014

As of March 2025, South Africa had the highest unemployment rate among the 19* countries that are members of the G20. The unemployment rate in South Africa stood at **** percent that year. The country has recently been plagued by an economic downturn, including energy shortages and high unemployment levels. On the other hand, Japan had the lowest unemployment rate at just *** percent. Economic inequality in South Africa Not only does South Africa top the G20 in overall unemployment, but it also has a significant level of youth unemployment, as nearly half of the young population is unemployed. Thirty years after the end of Apartheid, South Africa is also still one of the most unequal countries in the world, with a Gini score of ****. The prominence of inequality in the country makes escaping unemployment and underemployment difficult. Japanese economic slowdown While Japan had the lowest unemployment rate out of all G20 nations, as well as the lowest youth unemployment rate out of the G20 nations, Japan’s economy is still facing many challenges. With an aging population, the total Japanese population is facing a rapid decline, meaning that it will struggle to have enough workers participating in the labor market. Despite this, Japan maintains strict immigration policies, limiting the chances for foreign workers to move to Japan. Moreover, Japan has the second lowest fertility rate out of the G7 nations and one of the lowest fertility rates globally, adding another challenge in addressing population shrinkage.

Niger had the highest birth rate in the world in 2024, with a birth rate of 46.6 births per 1,000 inhabitants. Angola, Benin, Mali, and Uganda followed. Except for Afghanistan, all 20 countries with the highest birth rates in the world were located in Sub-Saharan Africa. High infant mortality The reasons behind the high birth rates in many Sub-Saharan African countries are manyfold, but a major reason is that infant mortality remains high on the continent, despite decreasing steadily over the past decades, resulting in high birth rates to counter death rates. Moreover, many nations in Sub-Saharan Africa are highly reliant on small-scale farming, meaning that more hands are of importance. Additionally, polygamy is not uncommon in the region, and having many children is often seen as a symbol of status. Fastest-growing populations As the high fertility rates coincide with decreasing death rates, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have the highest population growth rates in the world. As a result, Africa's population is forecast to increase from 1.4 billion in 2022 to over 3.9 billion by 2100.

The global newborn care products market, valued at $86.14 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, driven by several key factors. Rising birth rates in developing economies, coupled with increasing disposable incomes and a growing awareness of hygiene and infant health, are significantly contributing to market expansion. The preference for premium and specialized products, such as organic and hypoallergenic options, is also fueling market growth. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of e-commerce platforms for purchasing baby products enhances market accessibility and convenience. Segmentation reveals a substantial demand across all application stages (0-6 months, 6-12 months, and 12-24 months), with diapers dominating the product type segment. However, the growth of the skin care and food for newborns segments reflects a shift toward comprehensive care solutions. Competitive landscape analysis indicates a mix of established multinational corporations and regional players. Major players like Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, and Kimberly-Clark are leveraging brand recognition and extensive distribution networks to maintain market share. Conversely, smaller, niche players are focusing on innovation and specialized products to carve out a place in this competitive market. The market's CAGR of 3.2% suggests a consistent, albeit moderate, expansion trajectory over the forecast period (2025-2033). Geographical analysis points toward North America and Asia Pacific as dominant regions, reflecting high birth rates and strong consumer spending. However, growth opportunities exist in emerging markets in Africa and South America as rising middle classes increase demand for better quality baby products. While the market faces potential restraints like fluctuating raw material prices and intense competition, the overall outlook remains positive. Sustained technological advancements, the introduction of innovative products, and the increasing emphasis on child health are expected to propel market growth in the coming years. Successful market players will need to adapt to evolving consumer preferences, incorporate sustainable practices, and leverage digital marketing strategies to effectively target their customer base.

Of the total births registered in South Africa in 2022, the majority occurred in the Gauteng province, with around 232 thousand registrations. KwaZulu-Natal followed, with almost 220 thousand births recorded. On the other hand, Northern Cape recorded the lowest amount of births at close to 25 thousand.

The global talc-based baby powder market is a mature yet dynamic sector, exhibiting steady growth driven by established consumer preferences and brand loyalty. While facing challenges from increased health concerns and the rise of alternative products, the market maintains a significant presence, particularly in developing economies where affordability remains a key factor. Let's assume a 2025 market size of $2.5 billion (this is an estimation based on the common size of mature consumer goods markets), with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2% projected from 2025 to 2033. This modest growth reflects a market grappling with shifting consumer behavior and regulatory scrutiny. The premium segment, while smaller in volume, contributes significantly to overall market value due to higher price points. Online sales channels are experiencing faster growth than offline retail, indicating a gradual shift in consumer purchasing habits. Key players like Johnson & Johnson, Beiersdorf, and Pfizer (Desitin) continue to hold substantial market share through established brand recognition and extensive distribution networks. However, increased competition from companies offering alternative, cornstarch-based powders is putting pressure on market leaders to innovate and adapt. The geographic distribution of the market sees strong performance in North America and Asia Pacific, driven by established consumer bases and significant population sizes. However, growth opportunities exist within emerging markets in regions like Africa and South America, where increasing disposable incomes and rising birth rates offer potential for expansion. The regulatory landscape, particularly concerning potential health risks associated with talc, represents a significant restraint on market growth. Companies are actively responding by reformulating products, investing in research and development, and strengthening their communication strategies around product safety. Continued monitoring of regulatory changes and consumer sentiment will be critical for the success of players in this market. Successful companies will need to balance affordability with safety concerns and leverage both traditional and digital channels to reach their target audiences.

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) baby food industry is poised for substantial growth, with a market size valued at XX million in 2025 and projected to reach over XX million by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 6.48% during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to several key drivers, including rising birth rates, increasing disposable income, and growing awareness about the importance of early nutrition. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of nuclear families and dual-income households have led to a greater demand for convenient and nutritious baby food options. The industry landscape is characterized by a competitive environment, with major players such as Nestlé SA, Orchard Baby Food, Tiger Brands, and Abbott Laboratories holding significant market shares. Regional markets such as Saudi Arabia and South Africa are expected to witness robust growth due to the presence of a large consumer base and government initiatives promoting child health and nutrition Recent developments include: June 2022: Australian infant nutrition startup Sprout Organic partnered with the world's largest e-commerce platform, Amazon, and launched its plant-based baby formula. Sprout's launched its organic baby food in the Middle East at the Saudi Food Expo., March 2022: Le Lionceau, a Dakar-based company specializing in producing and marketing for children aged six months to 36 months, launched its products in Senegal. The company claims that its products are highly nutritional and are made from locally produced fruits, vegetables, cereals, and ingredients., September 2021: Kylie Jenner launched "Kylie Baby" in Africa and worldwide. The product is available on the Takealot website in Africa.. Key drivers for this market are: Growing Popularity of Single-Origin Coffee, Product Differentiation and Marketing Strategies. Potential restraints include: Presence of Substitutes Hampering Market Growth. Notable trends are: Increasing Infant Population Driving the Baby Food Market in the Region.

The global daily necessities market for infants and toddlers is anticipated to reach a valuation of XX million by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of XX% over the forecast period (2025-2033). Increasing birth rates, rising disposable incomes, and growing awareness about infant and toddler well-being are key factors driving market growth. Moreover, the increasing number of working parents and the convenience offered by online shopping channels further contribute to the market expansion. Among the different segments of the market, household applications dominate due to the extensive use of daily necessities like diapers, wipes, and feeding supplies within the home environment. The 0~3 Months Baby Supplies segment holds a significant share of the market, as newborns require specialized care and a wide range of essential items. Major players in the market include Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, Philips, Mattel, Hasbro, Lego, and Disney. Regional analysis reveals that North America and Asia Pacific are dominant markets, while emerging regions such as Africa and South America are expected to witness significant growth potential over the forecast period. Market Size: $150 billion (2022) Growth Rate: 4.5% CAGR (2022-2027)