Africa’s Non-Domestic Heat Exchange Unit Market Poised for Steady Growth With 1.7% CAGR Through 2035 – News and Statistics

Jan 19, 2026

IndexBox has just published a new report: Africa – Non-Domestic Heat Exchange Units – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of Africa’s non-domestic heat exchange unit market from 2013 to 2024, with a forecast to 2035. It details that the market, driven by increasing demand, is expected to grow at a CAGR of +1.7% in volume, reaching 8M units by 2035, and at +1.3% in value, reaching $9.8B. In 2024, consumption was 6.6M units ($8.5B), led by Ethiopia, Tanzania, and South Africa. Production was 6.5M units ($8B), with similar leading countries. Imports fell to 191K units but surged in value to $416M, with Nigeria being the largest importer by value despite low volume, indicating high unit prices. Exports rose to 25K units ($25M), dominated by South Africa. The report includes per capita consumption figures, import/export price analyses, and country-specific growth rates.

Key Findings

• Africa’s market for non-domestic heat exchange units is forecast to grow to 8M units ($9.8B) by 2035, with a CAGR of +1.7% in volume and +1.3% in value
• Ethiopia, Tanzania, and South Africa are the largest consumers and producers, together accounting for about 40% of the market
• Nigeria is the leading importer by value ($203M, 49% share) despite low volume, due to a very high average import price of $26K per unit
• South Africa dominates exports, supplying 88% of the region’s export volume (22K units) and 81% of its value ($20M)
• Import prices in Africa averaged $2.2K per unit in 2024, a 90% year-on-year increase, while export prices were $1K per unit

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for non-domestic heat exchange units in Africa, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.7% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 8M units by the end of 2035.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +1.3% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $9.8B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.

Consumption

Africa’s Consumption of Non-Domestic Heat Exchange Units

For the fifth year in a row, Africa recorded growth in consumption of non-domestic heat exchange units, which increased by 0.5% to 6.6M units in 2024. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the period from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 8%. Over the period under review, consumption attained the peak volume in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

The size of the non-domestic heat exchange unit market in Africa reached $8.5B in 2024, flattening at the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The level of consumption peaked in 2024 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.

Consumption By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of consumption in 2024 were Ethiopia (1.2M units), Tanzania (771K units) and South Africa (685K units), together comprising 40% of total consumption. Angola, Somalia, Morocco, Mozambique, Cameroon, Madagascar and Niger lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 34%.

From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for Niger (with a CAGR of +4.2%), while consumption for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Morocco ($1.3B), Ethiopia ($1.2B) and South Africa ($703M) constituted the countries with the highest levels of market value in 2024, together accounting for 38% of the total market. Tanzania, Angola, Mozambique, Cameroon, Madagascar, Somalia and Niger lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 26%.

Tanzania, with a CAGR of +4.1%, saw the highest growth rate of market size in terms of the main consuming countries over the period under review, while market for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The countries with the highest levels of non-domestic heat exchange unit per capita consumption in 2024 were Somalia (21 units per 1000 persons), South Africa (11 units per 1000 persons) and Tanzania (11 units per 1000 persons).

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of consumption, amongst the main consuming countries, was attained by Niger (with a CAGR of +0.3%), while consumption for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Production

Africa’s Production of Non-Domestic Heat Exchange Units

For the third year in a row, Africa recorded growth in production of non-domestic heat exchange units, which increased by 2.2% to 6.5M units in 2024. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% over the period from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 13%. The volume of production peaked in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, non-domestic heat exchange unit production rose modestly to $8B in 2024 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.5% from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2022 with an increase of 14%. The level of production peaked in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Production By Country

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2024 were Ethiopia (1.2M units), Tanzania (768K units) and South Africa (592K units), with a combined 40% share of total production. Angola, Somalia, Morocco, Mozambique, Cameroon, Madagascar and Niger lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 35%.

From 2013 to 2024, the biggest increases were recorded for Niger (with a CAGR of +4.2%), while production for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports

Africa’s Imports of Non-Domestic Heat Exchange Units

In 2024, the amount of non-domestic heat exchange units imported in Africa reduced notably to 191K units, falling by -35.7% on the year before. Over the period under review, imports saw a perceptible contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 388%. As a result, imports reached the peak of 806K units. From 2022 to 2024, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, non-domestic heat exchange unit imports surged to $416M in 2024. Total imports indicated perceptible growth from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.2% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, imports increased by +21.0% against 2021 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 57% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2024 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports By Country

South Africa represented the main importing country with an import of around 115K units, which resulted at 60% of total imports. Algeria (32K units) held the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Egypt (14K units). All these countries together took approx. 24% share of total imports. The following importers – Nigeria (7.7K units) and Uganda (3.8K units) – together made up 6% of total imports.

South Africa experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of imports of non-domestic heat exchange units. At the same time, Uganda (+36.1%), Nigeria (+32.9%) and Egypt (+10.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Uganda emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Africa, with a CAGR of +36.1% from 2013-2024. By contrast, Algeria (-13.9%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. South Africa (+24 p.p.), Egypt (+5.8 p.p.), Nigeria (+3.9 p.p.) and Uganda (+2 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Algeria saw its share reduced by -35% from 2013 to 2024, respectively.

In value terms, Nigeria ($203M) constitutes the largest market for imported non-domestic heat exchange units in Africa, comprising 49% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Egypt ($42M), with a 10% share of total imports. It was followed by South Africa, with a 6.9% share.

From 2013 to 2024, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Nigeria amounted to +23.5%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Egypt (+6.2% per year) and South Africa (-5.8% per year).

Import Prices By Country

In 2024, the import price in Africa amounted to $2.2 thousand per unit, increasing by 90% against the previous year. Overall, the import price showed a remarkable increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2023 an increase of 158% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices attained the peak figure at $2.5 thousand per unit in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2024, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Nigeria ($26 thousand per unit), while South Africa ($251 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Algeria (+4.0%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Exports

Africa’s Exports of Non-Domestic Heat Exchange Units

Non-domestic heat exchange unit exports surged to 25K units in 2024, jumping by 30% compared with 2023 figures. Overall, exports, however, showed a deep slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 616%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at 190K units in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2024, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, non-domestic heat exchange unit exports surged to $25M in 2024. In general, exports, however, showed a slight curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 55%. The level of export peaked at $31M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports By Country

South Africa dominates exports structure, amounting to 22K units, which was approx. 88% of total exports in 2024. It was distantly followed by Ethiopia (1.6K units), creating a 6.5% share of total exports. Egypt (391 units) took a minor share of total exports.

From 2013 to 2024, average annual rates of growth with regard to non-domestic heat exchange unit exports from South Africa stood at -10.1%. At the same time, Ethiopia (+69.0%) and Egypt (+8.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Ethiopia emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Africa, with a CAGR of +69.0% from 2013-2024. South Africa (+26 p.p.) and Ethiopia (+6.5 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($20M) remains the largest non-domestic heat exchange unit supplier in Africa, comprising 81% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Ethiopia ($1.1M), with a 4.4% share of total exports.

In South Africa, non-domestic heat exchange unit exports increased at an average annual rate of +7.0% over the period from 2013-2024. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Ethiopia (+114.9% per year) and Egypt (+5.9% per year).

Export Prices By Country

The export price in Africa stood at $1 thousand per unit in 2024, dropping by -8.8% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate strong growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the export price increased by 727%. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the peak figure at $1.1 thousand per unit in 2023, and then contracted in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Egypt ($1.6 thousand per unit), while Ethiopia ($684 per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ethiopia (+27.2%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

This report provides a comprehensive view of the non-domestic heat exchange unit industry in Africa, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the regional value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.

Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between exporters and importers within Africa. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the non-domestic heat exchange unit landscape in Africa.

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Key findings

• Regional demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking supply hubs to import-reliant countries.
• Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
• Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating distinct cost curves across Africa.
• Market concentration varies by country, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
• The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the region.

Report scope

The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for Africa. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts across countries and sub-regions.

• Market size and growth in value and volume terms
• Consumption structure by end-use segments and countries
• Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
• Regional trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
• Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
• Competitive context and market entry conditions

Product coverage

• Prodcom 28251130 – Heat exchange units

Country coverage

Country profiles and benchmarks

For the regional report, country profiles provide a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators across Africa. The profiles highlight the largest consuming and producing markets and allow direct benchmarking across peers.

Methodology

The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.

• International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
• National production and consumption statistics
• Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
• Price series and unit value benchmarks
• Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation

All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.

Forecasts to 2035

The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links non-domestic heat exchange unit demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts within Africa.

• Historical baseline: 2012-2025
• Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
• Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
• Capacity and investment outlook for major producing countries

Each country projection is built from its own historical pattern and the regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.

Price analysis and trade dynamics

Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.

• Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
• Export and import unit value trends
• Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
• Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions

Profiles of market participants

Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.

• Business focus and production capabilities
• Geographic reach and distribution networks
• Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
• Compliance, certification, and sustainability context

How to use this report

• Quantify regional demand and identify the most attractive country markets
• Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
• Track price dynamics and protect margins
• Benchmark performance against regional competitors
• Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions

This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of non-domestic heat exchange unit dynamics in Africa.

FAQ

What is included in the non-domestic heat exchange unit market in Africa?

The market size aggregates consumption and trade data at country and sub-regional levels, presented in both value and volume terms.

How are the forecasts to 2035 built?

The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.

Does the report cover prices and margins?

Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.

Which countries are profiled in detail?

The report provides profiles for the largest consuming and producing countries in Africa.

Can this report support market entry decisions?

Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.