Market Forecast by Countries (South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, and Rest of Africa), By Form Types (Shaped Refractories, Unshaped Refractories), By Product Types (Non-clay Refractory, Clay Refractory), By End-users (Iron & Steel, Cement, Non-Ferrous Metals, Glass, Others) And Competitive Landscape
Product Code: ETC13196013 | Publication Date: Apr 2025 | Updated Date: Aug 2025 | Product Type: Market Research Report | |
Publisher: 6Wresearch | No. of Pages: 150 | No. of Figures: 55 | No. of Tables: 32 | |
According to 6Wresearch internal database and industry insights, the Africa Refractories Market was valued at USD 3.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 7 billion by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% during the forecast period (2025-2031).
Report Name | Africa Refractories Market |
Forecast Period | 2025-2031 |
CAGR | 10% |
Market Size | USD 7 billion by 2031 |
Growing Sector | Iron & Steel and Cement |
The Africa Refractories Market report thoroughly covers the market by form type, product type, end-users, and countries. The market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the ongoing market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers which would help stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
Africa Refractories Market is projected to grow at significant pace owing to key growth factors such as industrialization and urban infrastructure projects. Also, increasing steel production, growth in cement manufacturing, and rising demand for non-ferrous metals are further accelerating expansion in this market. Apart from this, rapid investments in energy-intensive industries, coupled with government-led initiatives for infrastructure and manufacturing development are underpinning Africa Refractories Market Growth.
Africa Refractories Market is projected to grow remarkably, recording a CAGR of 10% during the forecast period 2025-2031. Due to rising construction activities, automotive demand driving iron & steel production, and increasing foreign direct investments in industrial projects, the growth of this market is projected to continue its upward trajectory. Besides, supportive policies encouraging cement production for affordable housing schemes and mega-infrastructure projects are fueling market share and revenue growth. In addition to this, multinational refractory producers are increasingly entering partnerships with African steel and cement plants to expand their market presence.
Despite growth factors, there is inadequate availability of raw materials and high dependency on imports, which in turn deters market expansion. In addition, rising energy costs affecting production economics further hampers market growth. Additionally, lack of standardized quality monitoring and skilled workforce shortages hinder efficient adoption of advanced refractory products.
There are several emerging trends reshaping the dynamics of Africa Refractories Industry. For instance, the adoption of energy-efficient and eco-friendly refractories, increasing use of monolithic refractories in modern furnaces, and rising integration of automation in refractory installation processes. Also, sustainability initiatives are encouraging recycling of used refractories to reduce carbon footprint. Apart from this, technological advancements such as nano-refractories and corrosion-resistant ceramics are entering the market to support high-temperature industrial processes.
Africa Refractories Industry offers investment opportunities in localized production plants, especially in Nigeria and South Africa, to reduce dependency on imports. Development of high-quality shaped refractories tailored for the steel and cement sectors presents significant growth potential. Additionally, increasing government-backed industrialization initiatives, such as Ethiopia’s Industrial Parks Program and Nigeria’s National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, open doors for refractory demand expansion.
The landscape of Africa Refractories Market is highly competitive with the presence of both multinational and regional players who focus on developing cost-effective and durable refractory solutions. Leading companies include Vesuvius, RHI Magnesita, Krosaki Harima, Imerys Refractory Minerals, and Calderys. Local players such as Vereeniging Refractories in South Africa are strengthening domestic supply chains.
In the Africa Refractories Market, governments are implementing policies to strengthen industrialization and enforce environmental legislation. South Africa’s National Infrastructure Plan 2050 focuses on developing steel and cement capacities, which indirectly increases the usage of refractories. The government of Kenya has cement industry emission regulations that require cement manufacturers to implement a high-performance refractory lining system to operate on low energy usage to comply with regulations. Additionally, the African Union's Agenda 2063 Industrialization Goals also improve the investment prospects in refractory industries.
In the next few years, the Africa Refractories Market is poised for vigorous expansion as the continent is emerging as a steel, cement, and glass manufacturing center. Advanced refractories with higher energy efficiency and durable refractories will thrive. Immediate trends to be aware of is the rise of smart refractories whereby furnace temperature will be monitored via IoT sensors, the use of 3D printed refractories and alternative sustainable raw materials will reinvent the Africa Refractories Industry. Urbanization will continue to prosper, coupled with a strong government agenda for future industrial projects and refactoring will guarantee sustained revenues.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments and their leading categories.
According to Vasu, Senior Research Analyst, 6Wresearch, South Africa dominates the Africa Refractories Market Share due to its established iron & steel sector, cement manufacturing base, and strong mining industry.
Unshaped refractories are expected to dominate the Africa Refractories Market due to their ease of installation, lower maintenance cost, and adaptability for modern furnace designs.
Non-clay refractories, particularly high-alumina and magnesia-based products, dominate the Africa Refractories Industry as they provide superior resistance to high temperatures and corrosion.
The Iron & Steel industry holds the largest share of the Africa Refractories Market as refractory materials are essential for blast furnaces, ladles, and converters. Africa’s growing focus on steel self-sufficiency, driven by initiatives like Nigeria’s Ajaokuta Steel Plant revival project, significantly boosts refractory consumption.
The market report provides a detailed analysis of the following market segments:
Africa Refractories Market |
1 Executive Summary |
2 Introduction |
2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
2.2 Report Description |
2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
2.4 Research Methodology |
2.5 Assumptions |
3 Africa Refractories Market Overview |
3.1 Africa Regional Macro Economic Indicators |
3.2 Africa Refractories Market Revenues & Volume, 2021 & 2031F |
3.3 Africa Refractories Market - Industry Life Cycle |
3.4 Africa Refractories Market - Porter's Five Forces |
3.5 Africa Refractories Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
3.6 Africa Refractories Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Form Types, 2021 & 2031F |
3.7 Africa Refractories Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Product Types, 2021 & 2031F |
3.8 Africa Refractories Market Revenues & Volume Share, By End-users, 2021 & 2031F |
4 Africa Refractories Market Dynamics |
4.1 Impact Analysis |
4.2 Market Drivers |
4.3 Market Restraints |
5 Africa Refractories Market Trends |
6 Africa Refractories Market, 2021 - 2031 |
6.1 Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Form Types, 2021 - 2031 |
6.1.1 Overview & Analysis |
6.1.2 Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Shaped Refractories, 2021 - 2031 |
6.1.3 Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Unshaped Refractories, 2021 - 2031 |
6.2 Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product Types, 2021 - 2031 |
6.2.1 Overview & Analysis |
6.2.2 Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Non-clay Refractory, 2021 - 2031 |
6.2.3 Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Clay Refractory, 2021 - 2031 |
6.3 Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-users, 2021 - 2031 |
6.3.1 Overview & Analysis |
6.3.2 Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Iron & Steel, 2021 - 2031 |
6.3.3 Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Cement, 2021 - 2031 |
6.3.4 Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Non-Ferrous Metals, 2021 - 2031 |
6.3.5 Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Glass, 2021 - 2031 |
6.3.6 Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Others, 2021 - 2031 |
7 Africa Refractories Market, By Countries, 2021 - 2031 |
7.1 Overview & Analysis |
7.2 Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Form Types, 2021 - 2031 |
7.2.1 South Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Form Types, 2021 - 2031 |
7.2.2 Egypt Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Form Types, 2021 - 2031 |
7.2.3 Nigeria Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Form Types, 2021 - 2031 |
7.2.4 Rest of Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Form Types, 2021 - 2031 |
7.3 Africa Refractories Market Revenues & Volume Share, By Product Types, 2021 & 2031F |
7.3.1 South Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product Types, 2021 - 2031 |
7.3.2 Egypt Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product Types, 2021 - 2031 |
7.3.3 Nigeria Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product Types, 2021 - 2031 |
7.3.4 Rest of Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By Product Types, 2021 - 2031 |
7.4 Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-users, 2021 - 2031 |
7.4.1 South Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-users, 2021 - 2031 |
7.4.2 Egypt Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-users, 2021 - 2031 |
7.4.3 Nigeria Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-users, 2021 - 2031 |
7.4.4 Rest of Africa Refractories Market, Revenues & Volume, By End-users, 2021 - 2031 |
8 Africa Refractories Market Key Performance Indicators |
9 Africa Refractories Market - Export/Import By Countries Assessment |
10 Africa Refractories Market - Opportunity Assessment |
10.1 Africa Refractories Market Opportunity Assessment, By Countries, 2021 & 2031F |
10.2 Africa Refractories Market Opportunity Assessment, By Form Types, 2021 & 2031F |
10.3 Africa Refractories Market Opportunity Assessment, By Product Types, 2021 & 2031F |
10.4 Africa Refractories Market Opportunity Assessment, By End-users, 2021 & 2031F |
11 Africa Refractories Market - Competitive Landscape |
11.1 Africa Refractories Market Revenue Share, By Companies, 2024 |
11.2 Africa Refractories Market Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating and Technical Parameters |
12 Top 10 Company Profiles |
13 Recommendations |
14 Disclaimer |