Morocco has achieved the top position in Africa’s industrialisation index for the first time, according to the African Development Bank's (AfDB) 2025 Africa Industrialisation Index released on May 28, 2026. This marks a significant shift, as South Africa had held the leading spot since 2010.

The AfDB report ranked Morocco with 0.8415 points, narrowly edging out South Africa's 0.8396 points. This achievement reflects Morocco's sustained efforts in industrial upgrading, diversification of its exports, and the effective implementation of strategic industrial policies, the AfDB stated.

While South Africa remains a prominent industrial economy on the continent, the report noted a gradual long-term decline in its industrial competitiveness. South Africa's score has fallen from 0.8819 in 2010 to 0.8396 in 2024. The index evaluates industrialisation based on three core dimensions: industrial performance, direct drivers like investment and infrastructure, and indirect factors such as the business environment and economic stability.

The report highlights North Africa as the continent's most industrialised region, with a score of 0.6891 in 2024, followed by Southern Africa at 0.5850. This regional dominance is further emphasized by the fact that four Arab nations are among the top six industrial economies in Africa. Egypt secured third place with 0.7827 points, followed by Tunisia at 0.7760, and Algeria at sixth with 0.6661.

Morocco, South Africa, Egypt, and Tunisia are identified as Africa's leading industrial quartet, maintaining a considerable advantage over most other African economies. Mauritius ranked fifth, with Eswatini, Senegal, Namibia, and Ivory Coast completing the top 10.

Despite these advancements, the report cautions that industrialisation across Africa is progressing slowly and unevenly. Between 2010 and 2024, 41 out of 54 African countries improved their industrialisation scores. However, only 24 countries managed to improve their rankings, and five remained in the same position. The continental average industrialisation score saw a modest increase from 0.5134 in 2010 to 0.5445 in 2024, a 6 percent rise.

Africa's manufacturing value added (MVA) grew from $285 billion in 2020 to $351 billion in 2025. Nevertheless, the continent's share of global manufacturing output remains below 2 percent, and its contribution to global manufactured exports is only 1.4 percent. MVA per capita in Africa reached $226.7 in 2025, which is still below the 2014 peak of $254.9.

The AfDB report attributes the sluggish industrial growth in part to fragmented markets and limited regional integration, hindering stronger intra-African trade and industrial development.