Africa Ultrasound Market Outlook (2021-2031)

The Africa ultrasound market is projected to grow from US$ 21.0 million in 2024 to US$ 22.3 million by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.9% from 2025 to 2031. Despite this growth potential, the market remains underdeveloped, primarily due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure, inconsistent access to diagnostic services, and financial constraints faced by many countries in the region.

The ultrasound market in Africa is characterized by several challenges, including fragmented healthcare systems, limited adoption of advanced imaging technologies, and a shortage of trained healthcare professionals. However, there is a notable increase in the adoption of portable and point-of-care ultrasound devices, particularly in maternal health and infectious disease screening, where timely diagnosis is crucial. Countries like South Africa and Nigeria are making progress, aided by targeted government initiatives and international support. The rise of mobile health units and telemedicine platforms is also creating new opportunities, as these services increasingly rely on ultrasound for remote diagnostics.

As public health initiatives gain momentum and access to essential medical services improves, ultrasound technology is poised to play a vital role in bridging diagnostic gaps, especially in rural and underserved regions.

Market Segmentation Analysis

The ultrasound market in Africa can be segmented based on product type, portability, application, and end user.

1. Product Type: The market is divided into diagnostic ultrasound systems and therapeutic ultrasound systems. In 2024, the diagnostic ultrasound systems segment was the dominant category, reflecting the high demand for imaging in various medical fields.
2. Portability: The market is further segmented into portable/trolley-based devices and handheld devices. The portable/trolley-based devices segment led the market in 2024, as these systems are more versatile and suitable for a range of healthcare settings.
3. Application: The ultrasound market is categorized into several applications, including general imaging, cardiology, oncology, gynecology, orthopedics, urology, gastroenterology, and others. The general imaging segment was the largest in 2024, highlighting the widespread use of ultrasound for various diagnostic purposes.
4. End User: The market is segmented into hospitals, specialty clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, ambulatory surgical centers, and others. Hospitals accounted for the largest share of the market in 2024, as they are the primary users of ultrasound technology for patient diagnosis and treatment.

Market Outlook

The ultrasound market in Africa is evolving rapidly, driven by the increasing demand for affordable and accessible diagnostic imaging solutions. Ultrasound technology is particularly valuable in fields such as obstetrics, gynecology, cardiology, and urology, making it an essential tool in resource-limited settings. A significant factor contributing to market growth is the rising adoption of portable and point-of-care ultrasound systems, which enable healthcare providers to conduct real-time assessments without the need for centralized imaging facilities. This capability leads to quicker diagnoses and improved patient care, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Additionally, the market is benefiting from growing investments in telemedicine and mobile health services, which rely on ultrasound for remote diagnostics. Training programs and public health initiatives are further enhancing the adoption of ultrasound technology, particularly in maternal health and infectious disease management. As healthcare systems across Africa continue to expand and modernize, ultrasound is becoming a central technology for delivering efficient and equitable diagnostic services.

Country Insights

The Africa ultrasound market can also be analyzed by country, with key markets including Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, and Algeria. South Africa emerged as the largest market in 2024, owing to its advanced healthcare system and a robust network of public and private hospitals. The country has successfully integrated ultrasound into routine medical care, particularly in maternal health, emergency medicine, and cancer treatment.

In major urban centers like Johannesburg and Cape Town, hospitals are equipped with modern, high-tech diagnostic equipment. Simultaneously, rural clinics are beginning to adopt portable ultrasound units, which help extend medical care to remote populations. The South African government has implemented programs aimed at improving maternal and newborn health outcomes, which have facilitated the increased use of ultrasound in prenatal care. Furthermore, the presence of local distributors and partnerships with global manufacturers has streamlined the procurement of new imaging technologies.

Company Profiles

Key players in the Africa ultrasound market include GE HealthCare, Siemens Healthineers AG, FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Canon Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Esaote SPA, Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd., Hologic Inc., Trivitron Healthcare, and Samsung Healthcare. These companies are actively pursuing strategies such as market expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions to maintain competitiveness and deliver innovative products to consumers. Show more