Nigeria has been ranked as the third-largest manufacturing country in Africa, according to a new report by The African Exponent, a business intelligence platform focused on entrepreneurship and investment opportunities across the continent.
The report highlights ten African nations leading in industrial development, based on the presence and performance of large-scale, influential manufacturing companies. These countries are setting the pace for industrial growth and transformation across Africa. The top 10 manufacturing countries, in order, are: South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya, Algeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Tunisia, and Zambia.
According to the report, Africa’s manufacturing sector is projected to reach a value-added output of $77.66 billion and a total output of $284.70 billion by the end of 2025.
Key Highlights from the Report:
- South Africa retains its position as the continent’s leading industrialized nation, driven by a diversified industrial base and strong infrastructure. Key sectors include automotive, steel, chemicals, and food processing.
- Egypt follows closely, leveraging strong exports to Europe and the Middle East. Its manufacturing is fueled by sectors such as cement, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and petrochemicals.
- Nigeria, ranked third, is home to some of Africa’s biggest industrial conglomerates. The ongoing Dangote Refinery project and BUA Group’s expansion underscore Nigeria’s growing industrial ambition. With a large domestic market and recent policy reforms, Nigeria’s manufacturing strengths lie in:
- Cement
- Consumer Goods
- Food and Beverages
- Oil Refining
Major players include Dangote Group, BUA Group, Nestlé Nigeria, and Unilever Nigeria.
- Morocco is a North African manufacturing hub attracting significant foreign investment in high-tech sectors like automotive and aerospace, supported by government incentives and EU trade agreements.
- Kenya is emerging as East Africa’s manufacturing leader, especially in agro-processing and consumer goods. Nairobi is also positioning itself as a center for pharmaceutical and plastics innovation.
- Algeria combines strong public and private sector participation in sectors such as cement, automotives, steel, and electronics, driven by conglomerates like Groupe Cevital.
- Ethiopia continues to grow as a textile and garment manufacturing hub thanks to its industrial parks, low labor costs, and export-driven policies.
- Ghana’s industrial progress is shaped by its agricultural base and value-added initiatives like the One District, One Factory policy. Companies like Kasapreko and Fan Milk are expanding the country’s global footprint.
- Tunisia plays a strategic role in supplying electronics, textiles, and auto components to European markets, with ongoing modernization boosting its manufacturing competitiveness.
- Zambia rounds out the list, with growth in cement, agro-processing, steel, and consumer goods. Government support and firms like Zambeef, Lafarge Zambia, and Trade Kings are driving the country’s manufacturing rise.
As the continent continues to push for industrialization and economic diversification, Nigeria’s strong performance reaffirms its role as a key player in shaping Africa’s manufacturing future.
