Africa Automotive Composites Market Report (2021-2031) by Scope, Segmentation, Dynamics, and Competitive Analysis

The African automotive composites market is projected to reach $152.22 million by 2031, increasing from $78.79 million in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9% from 2025 to 2031.

Executive Summary and Africa Automotive Composites Market Analysis

The automotive composites market in Africa is rapidly expanding due to the increasing demand for lighter, more durable, and fuel-efficient vehicles. Composites, including fiberglass, carbon fiber, and natural fiber materials, are being increasingly integrated into vehicle manufacturing processes in the region as automakers aim to meet global sustainability standards. The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and the commitment to reducing carbon footprints are driving the adoption of advanced materials. Composites provide significant weight-saving advantages that enhance energy efficiency. This trend is expected to intensify as governments and businesses across the continent adopt more environmentally conscious policies and practices.

Africa Automotive Composites Market Segmentation Analysis

Key segments contributing to the analysis of the automotive composites market include product type, resin type, technology, vehicle type, and application.

Product Type: The market is segmented into glass fiber composites, carbon fiber composites, and others. The glass fiber composites segment dominated the market in 2024.

Resin Type: The market is divided into thermoset (including polyester, epoxy, vinyl ester, polyurethane, and others) and thermoplastics (including polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, and others). The thermoplastics segment led the market in 2024.

Technology: The market is segmented into pultrusion, injection molding, compression molding, and others. The injection molding segment was the largest in 2024.

Vehicle Type: The market is classified into passenger cars, commercial vehicles, two-wheelers, and others. The passenger cars segment held the largest share in 2024.

Application: The market is divided into structural assembly, powertrain components, interior, and exterior applications. The interior segment dominated the market in 2024.

Africa Automotive Composites Market Outlook

The number of manufacturers setting up operations in key markets such as South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco is increasing. South Africa has emerged as a significant automotive hub, attracting international automakers and fostering local production. This development has created a growing demand for high-performance materials, such as composites, to support vehicle production. With the rise of the middle-class population and increased consumer demand for affordable yet high-quality vehicles, automakers are turning to composites to improve their products' performance and aesthetic appeal. Natural fibers sourced from local agriculture, such as hemp, jute, and sisal, are presenting sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to synthetic composites. This approach not only supports the development of a more environmentally friendly automotive industry but also creates economic opportunities for local agricultural sectors. The outlook for Africa’s automotive composites market is positive, as demand for advanced materials continues to increase alongside the region's expanding automotive industry and evolving sustainability goals.

Africa Automotive Composites Market Country Insights

The African automotive composites market is further segmented into Egypt, South Africa, Algeria, and Nigeria. South Africa held the largest share in 2024.

The automotive composites market in South Africa is growing as the country's automotive industry adopts advanced materials to enhance vehicle performance, reduce weight, and improve fuel efficiency. Composites like fiberglass, carbon fiber, and natural fibers are increasingly common in vehicle manufacturing, driven by the demand for more sustainable and efficient transportation solutions. According to the International Trade Administration, total vehicle production in South Africa increased from 446,210 units in 2020 to 510,000 units in 2022. In 2021, South Africa launched the South Africa Automotive Masterplan (SAAM) for 2021–2035, aiming to produce 1.4 million vehicles annually by 2035, representing 1% of global vehicle production. The country's seven original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive sector invested approximately $460 million in 2021. With a well-established automotive sector that includes major global automakers, South Africa is shifting towards EVs, further boosting the use of lightweight materials. As the market for environmentally friendly vehicles grows, South Africa's automotive composites industry is positioned for expansion, supporting both domestic and export demands.

Africa Automotive Composites Market Company Profiles

Companies involved in the automotive composites market include Gurit Holding AG, Hexcel Corp, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corp, SGL Carbon SE, Solvay SA, Teijin Ltd, DuPont de Nemours Inc, Toray Industries Inc, Atlas Fibre, and Elaghmore Advisor LLP.