Nigeria has been ranked second in Africa in terms of manufacturing output, highlighting the country’s growing industrial strength. Recent figures show that Egypt leads the continent with manufacturing production valued at $59.6 billion in 2023, while Nigeria follows closely at $55.7 billion. South Africa comes third with an output of $48.8 billion, reflecting a shifting landscape in African manufacturing.

The ranking shows that Nigeria’s manufacturing sector continues to play a major role in the national economy, driven by industries such as food processing, cement, textiles, and consumer goods. Despite ongoing challenges like power supply and infrastructure gaps, local production has remained resilient, helping the country maintain a strong position among Africa’s top manufacturing economies.

An interesting highlight from the data is the performance of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has overtaken Kenya in manufacturing output. This development points to rising industrial activity in Central Africa and signals that more countries are beginning to invest in local production and value addition rather than relying solely on raw material exports.

Experts say the latest ranking underlines the importance of sustained investment in infrastructure, technology, and skills development across the continent. For Nigeria, maintaining its position will require policies that support manufacturers, improve energy access, and encourage innovation, while also boosting exports to regional and global markets.