The Africa steel market reached a volume of 39.24 Million Tons in 2025. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.40% during the forecast period of 2026-2035 to reach a volume of 54.82 Million Tons by 2035. Expanding renewable energy infrastructure is generating substantial demand for high-strength, low-carbon steel across Africa.
The market is undergoing transformative growth, fueled primarily by the construction boom across urban and semi-urban regions. South Africa leads steel production on the continent, generating 4.063 million tons of crude steel from January to October 2024, according to the Africa steel market analysis. This surge in output reflects strong government-backed infrastructure programs, such as the R347.7 billion in National Treasury investment in public works between 2022 and 2025, which is driving consistent demand for structural and reinforcing steel.
Egypt is rapidly positioning itself as a regional steel hub. Strategic investments, including India’s Essar Group contemplating a USD 590 million steel plant, alongside domestic expansions by Beshay Steel, are enabling the country to meet domestic infrastructure needs and capture several Africa steel market opportunities for expansion. Nigeria is actively revitalizing its steel sector through operationalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and new facilities like the USD 400 million Stellar Steel Plant in Ogun State, targeting over 3,500 jobs and reducing the country’s billion annual steel import dependence.
Moreover, rising urbanization, an expanding middle class, and increasing renewable energy initiatives, such as wind and solar projects requiring specialized steel, are contributing to robust Africa steel market growth. Moreover, technological advancements, including the adoption of electric arc furnace (EAF) and low-carbon XCarb™ production processes, are setting Africa on a sustainable, competitive trajectory.
Base Year
Historical Period
Forecast Period
Africa is viewed as a high-cost, low-productivity manufacturing destination for steel. Most of Africa's steel production is typically used in low-value industries like building, construction, automotive, machinery, and appliances.
As per industry reports, in 2024, Africa's crude steel production increased by 1.1% year-on-year to 1.9 million metric tons.
Prominent players in the market are Hesteel Group, Egyptian Steel Group, African Industries Group, and Devki Steel Mills Limited.
Compound Annual Growth Rate
3.4%
Value in Million Tons
2026-2035
*this image is indicative*
African governments are actively supporting domestic steel production to reduce import dependence and boost industrialization. Nigeria’s efforts to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and develop the Stellar Steel Plant in Ogun State underscore a strategic push for job creation and economic diversification. Similarly, South Africa’s R812 billion infrastructure initiative is directly increasing steel demand in Africa. These policies create stable demand pipelines for domestic producers, encourage foreign investment, and promote localized manufacturing.
Innovations in production are redefining the Africa steel market trends and dynamics. The adoption of electric arc furnace (EAF) technology and low-carbon initiatives like ArcelorMittal’s XCarb™ are enabling energy-efficient, sustainable steel manufacturing. For example, in October 2022, the XCarb™ innovation fund committed over USD 150 million globally to support pioneering decarbonization technologies, including investment in Boston Metal’s molten oxide electrolysis for near-zero emissions steel. Investments in advanced recycling processes, molten oxide electrolysis, and AI-driven production optimization are reducing emissions while improving cost-effectiveness. Local manufacturers are leveraging these technologies to compete globally and meet rising ESG standards.
Africa’s construction sector is a major steel consumer, particularly in South Africa and Nigeria. Mega projects, including Egypt’s New Administrative Capital and Kenya’s LAPSSET corridor, are driving demand for structural steel, rebars, and long steel products. Public-private partnerships and international funding are accelerating project delivery, while local procurement policies encourage domestic demand in the Africa steel market. The urbanization surge and housing initiatives further stimulate demand, supporting manufacturers in scaling operations and supplying specialized products for residential, commercial, and public infrastructure applications.
South Africa remains the continent’s automotive hub, attracting global automakers seeking local production and regional export advantages. Rising vehicle assembly and component manufacturing are increasing demand for high-strength and coated steel. The adoption of lightweight materials and EV-related steel grades, such as high-strength carbon and alloy steel, is driving the Africa steel market opportunities. Morocco and Egypt are also investing in automotive supply chains, expanding local component production.
Egypt’s expansion of steel manufacturing, such as Beshay Steel’s 1.5 million square meters, exemplifies Africa’s industrial diversification. Investments in flat steel, HR and CR coils, and galvanized lines are meeting domestic demand for appliances, machinery, and infrastructure while enabling exports. Advanced production technologies are being introduced through international partnerships, enhancing product quality and compliance with global standards, widening the scope for the Africa steel market expansion.
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The EMR’s report titled “Africa Steel Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by Product
Key Insight: Currently, long steel dominates the market owing to construction, manufacturing, and automotive demand. Rebars, wire rods, structural sections, HR and CR coils, color-coated sheets, and pipes collectively support infrastructure and industrial expansion. Strong government investments, urbanization, renewable energy projects, and regional trade agreements enhance both supply capacity and accessibility in the Africa steel market, ensuring producers can meet diverse applications.
Market Breakup by Type
Key Insight: Carbon steel leads the market value due to broad application and affordability, while alloy and stainless steels grow rapidly popular across automotive, industrial, and energy sectors. Tool steels and specialty grades expand niche applications. Strong infrastructure, manufacturing investment, and technological adoption collectively support diverse steel types, ensuring balanced growth across traditional and high-value applications.
Market Breakup by Application
Key Insight: Construction captures the largest share of the market due to infrastructure expansion, while the automotive and manufacturing sectors are rapidly growing in terms of market share, increasing demand for specialized steel. Mechanical engineering, metalware, domestic appliances, and agriculture contribute to diversified applications. Government initiatives, industrial investment, and urbanization ensure demand continuity, supporting a resilient and expanding the Africa steel market scope.
Market Breakup by Region
Key Insight: South Africa remains the largest producer and consumer, while Nigeria and Egypt, along with East African countries, present high-growth potential. Mozambique, Zambia, DRC, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola, and Malawi are expanding infrastructure, industrial, and manufacturing demand. Regional diversity ensures opportunities for both domestic and foreign investors, supporting balanced growth in the market.
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By product, long steel holds largest market share due to infrastructure demand
Long steel products, including rebars, wire rods, and structural sections, currently dominate the African market due to massive infrastructure and urbanization projects in South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt. Demand is fueled by transportation networks, energy grids, and housing initiatives, with local procurement policies supporting domestic rolling mills. Governments’ focus on affordable housing and urban infrastructure ensures long steel remains a staple of industrial activity.
As per the Africa steel industry report, flat steel, including HR/CR coils and galvanized sheets, is the fastest-growing product category. Investments in automotive, appliance, and machinery production, particularly in Egypt and Morocco, are driving demand. Rising middle-class consumption and regional trade agreements like AfCFTA facilitate production upgrades, export growth, and diversification, making flat steel a key growth opportunity across industrial applications.
By type, carbon steel captures the largest share in the market revenue owing to versatility and cost efficiency
Carbon steel, prized for cost efficiency and versatility across construction, pipelines, and industrial uses, is dominating the market in Africa. Its widespread use in structural beams, reinforcements, and foundational frameworks is supported by government-backed urban and transport initiatives. The carbon steel demand in Africa is consistent, ensuring steady production and supply pipelines across key markets.
Stainless and alloy steels are emerging to be Africa’s fastest-growing steel category, propelled by automotive, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy applications. High-strength, corrosion-resistant grades are increasingly required, with partnerships and technology transfers improving local production. Rising manufacturing sophistication and EV adoption drive specialty steel consumption, supporting long-term industrial growth and market diversification.
Construction applications dominate steel usage across public and private projects
Construction largely drives the overall steel demand in Africa, driven by urban expansion, residential housing, and mega projects like Egypt’s New Administrative Capital. Steel supports bridges, commercial buildings, and transport infrastructure, with public-private partnerships and international funding accelerating development. Local content policies favor domestic production, reinforcing long steel and flat steel demand.
Automotive and manufacturing represent the fastest-growing application in terms of the Africa steel market revenue, driven by vehicle assembly in South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt, and appliance production across North and East Africa. EV adoption, lightweighting, and high-specification steels increase demand for alloy and stainless products. SMEs contribute to growth, while regional trade agreements boost potential export markets.
South Africa clocks in the leading market position as the largest production and consumption base
South Africa dominates steel production with a mature industry, robust infrastructure programs, and strong government support. Local producers leverage value chain integration, advanced technologies, and export opportunities. Innovations in sustainability and EAF adoption are enhancing competitiveness and meeting ESG goals.
Nigeria is Africa’s fastest-growing steel market, revitalizing plants like Ajaokuta and Stellar Steel. Domestic raw material availability, government incentives, and infrastructure projects are stimulating production. Emerging industrial hubs and urbanization drive steel consumption in Africa, while import reduction initiatives strengthen local market positioning.
The market is highly competitive, shaped by both global steel giants and emerging local producers striving to capture opportunities across construction, automotive, and renewable energy sectors. Most of the Africa steel companies are increasingly focusing on technological innovation, sustainable production, and strategic partnerships to meet the continent’s growing infrastructure demand. Advanced manufacturing technologies like electric arc furnaces and low-carbon production methods are helping firms reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
Additionally, investment in local rolling mills, downstream processing, and specialized steel grades for automotive and energy applications is enabling Africa steel market players to differentiate themselves. The rising urbanization, large-scale infrastructure programs, and renewable energy projects present substantial growth opportunities for both domestic and international players. Market participants are also leveraging regional trade agreements such as AfCFTA to expand market access, optimize logistics, and offer tailored solutions for local and export markets.
Established in 1968 and headquartered in Pohang, South Korea, POSCO is a global steel leader delivering advanced steel solutions across Africa. The company focuses on high-strength and specialty steels for construction, automotive, and renewable energy applications. By investing in local partnerships and sustainable production practices, POSCO supports regional infrastructure projects while expanding its product portfolio to meet evolving industrial demands.
Founded in 1970 and based in Spain, Acerinox is a leading stainless steel manufacturer catering to Africa’s industrial, construction, and energy sectors. The company emphasizes innovative production technologies, corrosion-resistant steels, and flexible supply chain solutions. Through strategic distribution networks and regional partnerships, Acerinox addresses growing demand for durable steel products in automotive, infrastructure, and appliance manufacturing applications.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and established in 2012, Nippon Steel provides high-quality flat and long steel products for Africa’s construction, mechanical, and automotive sectors. The company leverages advanced manufacturing, sustainable steelmaking processes, and technology transfer programs to enhance local capacity. Its tailored solutions help meet the region’s infrastructure and industrial requirements while promoting environmentally responsible production practices.
Outokumpu, founded in 1914 and based in Helsinki, Finland, specializes in stainless and high-performance steels for Africa’s automotive, industrial, and energy sectors. By offering corrosion-resistant and recyclable steel grades, Outokumpu supports sustainable construction and industrial projects. The company invests in regional partnerships and innovation-driven R&D to address evolving market demands while optimizing operational efficiency and environmental performance.
*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*
Other key players in the market are African Industries Group, Egyptian Steel Group, El Marakby Steel, The Libyan Iron and Steel Company, Dinson Iron & Steel Company (Private) Limited, and Best Angola Metal, among others.
Explore the latest trends shaping the Africa steel market 2026-2035 with our in-depth report. Gain strategic insights, future forecasts, and key market developments that can help you stay competitive. Download a free sample report or contact our team for customized consultation on Africa steel market trends 2026.
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In 2025, the Africa steel market reached an approximate volume of 39.24 Million Tons.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.40% between 2026 and 2035.
The market is estimated to witness a healthy growth in the forecast period of 2026-2035 to reach 54.82 Million Tons by 2035.
Stakeholders are investing in local manufacturing, implementing low-carbon technologies, expanding specialized steel portfolios, forming regional partnerships, enhancing supply chains, and leveraging trade agreements to capture Africa’s growing steel demand.
Key trends aiding market expansion include the increased attention to locally produced steel, expansion of steel manufacturers in the region, and development of steel alloys for improved properties.
Countries considered in the market are South Africa, Mozabique, Zambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Malawi, Angola, among others.
Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon which offers properties like tensile strength, yield strength, malleability, and toughness.
The different types of steel in the market are carbon steel, alloy & tool steel and stainless steel.
The various application of steel in the market are construction, mechanical engineering, automotive, metalware, domestic appliances and agricultural, among others.
The key players in the market include POSCO Co., Ltd., Acerinox S.A., Nippon Steel Corporation, Outokumpu Oyj, African Industries Group, Egyptian Steel Group, El Marakby Steel, The Libyan Iron and Steel Company, Dinson Iron & Steel Company (Private) Limited, and Best Angola Metal, among others.
High raw material costs, infrastructure constraints, energy inefficiencies, and regulatory hurdles, coupled with intense competition and fluctuating global steel prices, are the main challenges facing Africa steel market participants.
Explore our key highlights of the report and gain a concise overview of key findings, trends, and actionable insights that will empower your strategic decisions.
| REPORT FEATURES | DETAILS |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2019-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
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| Breakup by Product |
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| Breakup by Type |
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| Breakup by Application |
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| Breakup by Region |
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| Market Dynamics |
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| Competitive Landscape |
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| Companies Covered |
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