Middle East and Africa Sex Toys Market Developments and Forecast by 2028

The sex toys market in Middle East and Africa is expected to grow from US$ 1,097.9 million in 2021 to US$ 1,618.0 million by 2028; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2021 to 2028.

Before becoming fashionable and stylish consumer products, vibrators were used as sexual aids in medical contexts. In the nineteenth century, “vibrotherapy” was used to cure “hysterical women” as apparent increased female sexual desire was declared a medical problem. Sexual devices are still used in clinical practice when it comes to treating sexual dysfunctions in diverse patient populations, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and anorgasmia. Some sexual devices have been officially approved by the FDA for medical use, and some have been developed in conjunction with stakeholders such as people with disabilities. Apart from being used as therapeutic tools, sexual devices are also discussed as preventive measures in the context of public health. As the official WHO definition of sexual health includes sexual pleasure (WHO, 2006), sexual devices that foster the experience of sexual pleasure can be framed as sexual health promoting tools. Today’s sex toy industry offers products to the wider public that aim at the promotion of sexual health (e.g., by instructing and monitoring pelvic floor exercises) and are often labeled “sexual wellness products.” The effectiveness of sex toys in clinical settings is well documented and the accessibility of sexual wellness products to the general population can be regarded as a positive contribution to public sexual health and sexual well-being. The medicalization and “healthicization” of human sexualities are creating new, sanitized standards of healthy sexual normality and generating pressure to master, improve, and constantly work on sexual health. For patients in rehabilitation (e.g., cancer patients after chemotherapy) as well as for patients with primary sexual dysfunctions (e.g., anorgasmia, premature ejaculation), therapeutic interventions incorporating sex toys can be used. Overall, the clinical uses of sex toys are regarded as evidence-based, ethical, safe, and effective.

Economic uncertainties and ongoing conflicts are worsening the condition in the region. For instance, countries such as Syria, Libya, and Yemen are suffering violent conflict and cannot implement any public health measures. Iran was in deep economic recession due to the US sanctions. Also, the major source of economic stabilization in Middle East countries is oil production and export. However, the recent pandemic is causing turbulence to the economies of the Middle East region. A sudden drop in domestic and external demand for goods and products, especially crude oil, and halted production due to labor shortage, are major impacts observed in the region. E-commerce is popular because it effectively preserves consumers' privacy by not labelling products with their names and not disclosing customer information during product delivery. E-commerce, which includes business websites, mobile apps, and social media, is the most diverse delivery channel. As a result of these developments, the sex toys market is expected to expand during the pandemic. According to research study LovetheSales.com, lingerie and vibrators are common among South Africans, with market demand up 122 percent and 124 percent respectively in April 2020 compared to April 2019. As a result of the above factors, COVID-19 has a positive impact on the sex toys industry.

With the new features and technologies, vendors can attract new customers and expand their footprints in emerging markets. This factor is likely to drive the sex toys market. The Middle East and Africa sex toys market is expected to grow at a good CAGR during the forecast period.

Middle East and Africa Sex Toys Market Segmentation   

By Material

• Metal
• Silicone
• Plastic
• Glass
• Others

By Gender

• Male
• Female

By Distribution Channel

• E-Commerce
• Specialty Stores
• Others

By Country

• Middle East and Africa

  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa

Companies Mentioned

• Lovehoney Group Ltd.
• BMS Factory
• TENGA Co., Ltd.

Middle East and Africa Sex Toys Report Scope