Africa imports approximately 75 percent of the steel it consumes, spending over $20 billion annually on imports despite hosting significant iron ore reserves in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, and large scrap metal availability in urban centres across the continent. Egypt is Africa's largest steel producer with approximately 8 million tonnes annually, produced primarily by Ezz Steel from electric arc furnaces using scrap and imported billets. Nigeria's Ajaokuta integrated steel complex, constructed with Soviet assistance in the 1980s and never fully commissioned, represents the continent's most-discussed industrial policy failure. South Africa's ArcelorMittal Vanderbijlpark and Saldanha Bay plants produce approximately 3 million tonnes annually.
New Investment
The coming decade of African infrastructure construction, driven by AfCFTA trade flows, urbanisation, and energy transition projects, will require tens of millions of tonnes of steel for roads, bridges, buildings, and industrial facilities. Nigerian and West African investors are establishing mini-mill electric arc furnace operations that can economically produce long steel products from scrap at sub-100,000 tonne annual capacities. Steel buyers and construction sector businesses can access African mill contacts and product specifications on intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.