Middle East and Africa wire and cable market driven by electrification, renewables and EVs

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by technological advancement, infrastructure investment, and energy diversification. A recent feature in NIEHOFF Magazine explores the dynamics behind the growing demand for wires and cables across this vast region — a timely focus released in conjunction with NIEHOFF’s participation at the wire Middle East Africa trade fair, held in Cairo from September 6 to 8, 2025.

According to the Grand View market research cited in the magazine, the MEA wires and cables market is projected to grow from USD 25 billion in 2023 to nearly USD 36 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% between 2024 and 2030. The region accounted for 11.9% of the global wire and cable market in 2023, making it the fastest-growing region worldwide.

Infrastructure and electrification driving demand

One of the key growth factors is the large-scale investment in infrastructure, particularly in power generation, smart grids, and data connectivity. Governments across the region are upgrading aging power systems, expanding electricity distribution networks, and launching renewable energy projects. These developments are pushing up the demand for transmission and distribution cables.

The transition to smart grid systems, along with the rise of AI-driven automation and IT integration, requires a robust wire and cable backbone. Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Morocco are scaling up their renewable capacity with solar and wind energy, further boosting cable consumption for both energy and data applications.

The electric vehicle (EV) market is another strong driver. As regional adoption of EVs increases — from personal transport to fleet electrification — the need for reliable charging infrastructure and onboard wiring systems grows in parallel. Hybrid and EV models require complex wiring harnesses, making them a key area of opportunity for cable and harness manufacturers.

Energy sector: a mix of challenges and opportunity

The NIEHOFF Magazine article highlights that although the MENA region is investing heavily in new power projects, energy supply remains under pressure due to surging demand. In 2023, over 90% of the region’s 479 GW of installed capacity came from non-renewable sources, primarily natural gas and oil. Renewable sources — currently representing just 10% — are expected to grow to 149 GW by 2030, supported by large-scale solar and wind investments.

Major projects include the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant and Egypt’s new gas-fired power plants. However, despite these efforts, the region’s power infrastructure still faces bottlenecks, especially in high-consumption sectors like residential air conditioning and energy-hungry data centers. These sectors are driving peak electricity loads, especially in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where cooling demands dominate.

Automotive sector: transition and localization

The MEA automotive sector is also undergoing a structural shift, moving from an import-dependent market to a more diversified, increasingly localized production landscape. Local manufacturing, especially in North Africa, is on the rise, and with it, the demand for automotive wiring harnesses.

All types of vehicles — combustion, hybrid, and electric — rely on wiring harnesses to function. In MEA, the automotive wiring harness market is projected to reach USD 2.85 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of over 2.2% from 2024 onward. In 2023, the region already accounted for 4.9% of global demand in this segment.

A strategic market for cable manufacturers

The ongoing developments in energy, mobility, and digitalization present clear growth opportunities for wire and cable suppliers. NIEHOFF, a long-standing partner for processing machinery and solutions in the wire and cable industry, is well-positioned to serve the MEA market. Their experience in supporting manufacturers across the region — together with their presence at events such as wire MEA 2025 in Cairo — underlines their commitment to addressing the specific needs of local and regional producers.

For a more detailed overview of these trends and forecasts, we recommend reading the full article published in NIEHOFF Magazine. The feature offers valuable insights into how the MEA region is shaping the future of cable demand across industries. Read the full article.