CEMAC Steel Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2025 - 2034

CEMAC Steel Market was valued at USD 5.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2025 to 2034. The Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), which includes Chad, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo, is experiencing strong growth in its steel sector. This progress is driven by substantial investments in infrastructure aimed at modernizing public facilities, improving transportation networks, and developing energy plants. Governments in the region are allocating significant funds to expand urban settlements and upgrade industrial capacity, which has fueled the demand for steel in various construction projects. As infrastructure development gains momentum, there is a corresponding rise in local steel production along with increased imports to meet the growing demand.

Ongoing improvements in public infrastructure have boosted the need for high-quality steel, with demand surging as governments work to enhance connectivity and build resilient urban environments. According to the African Development Bank, infrastructure funding has increased by 15% annually over the past five years, underscoring the region's commitment to modernization and development. Furthermore, supportive government policies and trade agreements have provided a strong foundation for the steel industry, resulting in a 12% annual growth in production since 2019, as reported by the CEMAC Commission. These policies aim to promote industrialization and economic diversification, ensuring sustained growth in the steel sector.

A strategic emphasis on strengthening industrial capacity is also contributing to the region’s growth trajectory. By enhancing domestic production capabilities, CEMAC countries are reducing reliance on imported goods and fostering a self-sufficient industrial ecosystem. This shift towards self-sustainability not only strengthens the steel industry but also positions the region as a key industrial hub in Africa. Increased investment in industrial development and improved infrastructure are further accelerating the demand for structural steel, which remains the preferred material for large-scale construction projects due to its durability and resistance to extreme weather conditions.

The CEMAC steel market is segmented by steel product type into structural steel, steel rebar, and others. Structural steel accounted for USD 2.7 billion in revenue in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.4 billion by 2034. The growing reliance on structural steel is attributed to its widespread use in multilingual, engineering, and construction projects, as well as its unmatched strength and versatility in supporting large structures. Its use has increased by 15% annually over the past five years, as noted by regional architectural authorities.

By end-use, the market is segmented into residential construction, commercial construction, industrial construction, and infrastructure. Industrial construction held a market share of approximately 67.5% in 2024 and is expected to maintain its dominance through 2034. The growing focus on industrialization and expanding transportation networks in the region has driven the demand for high-strength structural steel, making it an indispensable material for the construction of bridges, high-rise buildings, and large industrial facilities.

Cameroon led the CEMAC steel market, generating revenues of approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2024, with a projected CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2034. The positive growth outlook for Cameroon’s steel sector is driven by increased public infrastructure investments and ongoing efforts to diversify the country’s economy. Show more