Africa: Market for Diesel-Electric and Other Locomotives 2025

Market Size for Diesel-Electric and Other Locomotives in Africa

In 2022, the African diesel-electric and other locomotive market decreased by -2.9% to $X, falling for the third year in a row after three years of growth. The total consumption indicated a perceptible expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -12.3% against 2019 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Production of Diesel-Electric and Other Locomotives in Africa

In value terms, diesel-electric and other locomotive production contracted modestly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 34%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Diesel-Electric and Other Locomotives

Exports in Africa

In 2022, exports of diesel-electric and other locomotives in Africa dropped to X units, waning by -12.5% compared with 2021. In general, exports showed a abrupt shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 with an increase of 52% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X units in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, diesel-electric and other locomotive exports reduced to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports saw a deep setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 289% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Ethiopia (X units) and South Africa (X units) represented roughly 59% of total exports in 2022. Zimbabwe (X units) held the next position in the ranking, followed by Botswana (X units) and Mozambique (X units). All these countries together took near 32% share of total exports. The following exporters - Namibia (X units) and Niger (X units) - each amounted to a 7.1% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exporting countries, was attained by Zimbabwe (with a CAGR of +16.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest diesel-electric and other locomotive supplier in Africa, comprising 50% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Zimbabwe ($X), with a 25% share of total exports. It was followed by Mozambique, with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in South Africa amounted to -15.1%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Zimbabwe (+53.1% per year) and Mozambique (+14.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Africa stood at $X per unit in 2022, rising by 4.1% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, continues to indicate a slight shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 155% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per unit in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Mozambique ($X per unit), while Niger ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Zimbabwe (+31.8%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Imports of Diesel-Electric and Other Locomotives

Imports in Africa

In 2022, approx. X units of diesel-electric and other locomotives were imported in Africa; jumping by 20% on 2021 figures. Over the period under review, imports recorded a buoyant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when imports increased by 175%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X units. From 2015 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, diesel-electric and other locomotive imports reduced modestly to $X in 2022. Overall, imports recorded a remarkable increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 86% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Kenya was the major importer of diesel-electric and other locomotives in Africa, with the volume of imports recording X units, which was near 52% of total imports in 2022. Angola (X units) ranks second in terms of the total imports with an 18% share, followed by Algeria (4.9%). Nigeria (X units), Egypt (X units), Senegal (X units), Sudan (X units) and Tanzania (X units) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to diesel-electric and other locomotive imports into Kenya stood at +18.1%. At the same time, Angola (+27.3%), Egypt (+17.5%), Nigeria (+14.5%), Algeria (+12.6%), Senegal (+7.2%) and Tanzania (+2.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Angola emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Africa, with a CAGR of +27.3% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Sudan (-10.6%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Kenya (+32 p.p.), Angola (+15 p.p.), Egypt (+2 p.p.), Algeria (+1.9 p.p.) and Nigeria (+1.8 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2022, the share of Sudan (-11.2 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Angola ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported diesel-electric and other locomotives in Africa, comprising 44% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Kenya ($X), with a 16% share of total imports. It was followed by Egypt, with a 7.7% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value in Angola totaled +25.1%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Kenya (+12.3% per year) and Egypt (+41.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per unit, which is down by -16.7% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 an increase of 122% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per unit in 2021, and then reduced markedly in the following year.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Angola ($X per unit), while Senegal ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Egypt (+20.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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