Africa’s Truck and Bus Tyre Market Set for Steady Growth Through 2035
The market for truck and bus tyres in Africa is showing modest but consistent growth. According to recent analysis by IndexBox, consumption across the continent reached approximately 34 million units in 2024, a volume growth of around 4 % over the previous year. The value of the market in 2024 was estimated at about US$4.8 billion.
Looking ahead, growth is expected to slow somewhat but remain positive: the forecast projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about +1.3 % in volume and +2.2 % in value through to 2035, bringing volumes to approximately 39 million units and market value to around US $6.1 billion.
Regionally, South Africa leads the market by both consumption and production. In 2024, South Africa accounted for roughly 27 % of total volume (about 9.2 million units) and about 40 % of production (around 6.5 million units). Meanwhile, imports outstripped production across Africa: in 2024, imports reached around 19 million units, while production was approximately 17 million units.
Key growth markets include countries such as Tanzania and Malawi, where rising vehicle use and infrastructure development are driving demand.
The data suggests that large-vehicle tyre consumption remains concentrated in a few markets, while per-capita usage across much of Africa remains well below global averages (for example, South Africa registered about 148 units per 1000 people in 2024).
For tyre manufacturers and suppliers, the message is clear: the African truck & bus tyre market will not see explosive growth, but offers a stable and gradually expanding opportunity. Growth is driven more by vehicle fleet expansion, replacement demand, and infrastructure development than by rapid aftermarket surges.
Editor’s View
From the tyre industry perspective, Africa’s heavy-vehicle tyre market presents a long-term but moderate opportunity. Because growth is measured rather than meteoric, the strategic focus should shift from chasing large volume gains to building supply-chain reliability, local market presence, and tailored product offerings (e.g., suitable for the region’s road conditions and vehicle fleet mix).
For Indian tyre makers and Asia-based suppliers looking at export diversification, Africa is a market to include in the portfolio rather than a quick win. Ensuring regional stock availability, aligning with local import dynamics, and positioning for replacement demand will matter. In essence, the market asks for consistency over speed, and players who build that foundation today may reap dividends through incremental growth over the next decade.
