Top 10: Manufacturing Companies in MEA

Manufacturing companies in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) are experiencing rapid growth and new strategic positioning in global markets.

The region boasts abundant natural resources, skilled labour pools, and a burgeoning infrastructure sector, making it an ideal hub for manufacturing activities. 

MEA's geographic location offers significant logistical advantages for trade with Europe, Asia, and beyond.

In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards diversification in MEA economies, with a strong emphasis on industrialisation and technological advancement. 

This transformation has attracted multinational corporations seeking new investment opportunities and local entrepreneurs keen to innovate and create employment opportunities.

Governments in the region are also actively promoting manufacturing through incentives, infrastructure development, and regulatory reforms, fostering a conducive business environment.

10. Oyak Renault

Founded: 1969
Employees: 6,258 
CEO: Jan Ptacek
Revenue: US$4.1m

Oyak Renault is an automotive manufacturer established in 1969 and located in Bursa, Türkiye.

It is co-owned by OYAK and Renault, with OYARK owning 49% and Renault owning 51%. 

Established on an area of ​​approximately 600,000 square meters and manufacturing more than seven million automobiles to date, Oyak Renault is a leading vehicle factory and an international logistics and R&D centre.

Oyak Renault is one of the most efficient factories of the Renault Group in terms of performance and production, with an annual capacity of 390 thousand vehicles.

Among these vehicles are the New Renault Clio and New Renault Clio E-Tech Full Hybrid models. 

Making significant contributions to the international competitiveness of the Turkish automotive industry, Oyak Renault employs approximately 5500 employees.

The company strives for greater sustainability and employee diversity, investing in initiatives to increase the amount of women operating in the automotive sector. 

“Renault has been operating in Türkiye for 54 years alongside its robust and dependable partner, OYAK," says Fabrice Cambolive, CEO of Renault Global.  

"Since 1952, Renault and OYAK have jointly invested over € 2.5 billion, produced more than 7.5 million cars, and one out of every seven cars in Türkiye bears the Renault logo. 

"Our objective is to become the market leader in Türkiye, enhance our brand with new products, establish a strong presence, particularly in the SUV segment, and implement an electrification strategy centred on hybrid and electric vehicles."

9. İGSAŞ

Founded: 1971
Employees: 700+ 
CEO: İlkay Ünal
Revenue: US$5.6m

Contributing to Turkish agriculture and industry for half a century, İGSAŞ is a leading manufacturer of fertiliser, organic products, chemicals and large-scale farming equipment. 

With more than four leading facilities and five warehouses, the company provides 20% of all fertiliser used throughout Türkiye. 

Leaders in digital transformation, İGSAŞ has enhanced its industrial and agricultural solutions through emerging technologies, to provide superior customisability and results to customers. 

The company has a mobile application that enables farmers to easily manage, plan monitor agricultural activities, keep track of critical climate and weather data and access expert resources and consultancy on common agricultural problems.

The manufacturer has also ensured users remain up-to-date on the latest agricultural innovations and news, helping farmers optimise costs through targeted recommendations. 

8. Nigerian Breweries PLC 

Founded: 1946
Employees: 2,680
CEO: Hans Essaadi
Revenue: US$28.6m 

The largest brewing company in Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries PLC is an industry pioneer with a diverse and rich brand portfolio. 

Since introducing the nation's number one beer, Star Lager Beer in 1949, Nigerian Breweries PLC has expanded to introduce brands such as Amstel, Life and Maltina in addition to an unmatched range of stout, spirit and non-alcoholic drinks.

The Nigerian alcoholic drinks market is ever-expanding, with market revenue amounting to US$36.3bn as of this year. 

With over 21 brands enjoyed both locally and globally, Nigerian Breweries PLC maintains a focus on providing exceptional customer service and diversifying its product offering.  

Deeply committed to sustainability, Nigerian Breweries PLC believes it has a responsibility to 'brew a better world from Barley to Bar'. The company's sustainability agenda drives its ambition to create meaningful partnerships, scale its positive contributions and limit negative impacts. 

"We remain wholly committed to having a positive impact on our host communities and our consumers," says CEO of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Hans Essaadi.

"We'll continue to leverage our strong supply chain footprint; excellent execution of our route to market strategy; and our rich portfolio of brands across the lager, stout, malt, soft drinks, and energy drinks categories; and more
recently, Wines and Spirits with the acquisition of Distell." 

7. Julphar

Founded: 1980
Employees: 3,400
CEO: Basel Ziyadeh 
Revenue: US$446.5m

Julphar is an Emirati pharmaceutical manufacturer in the Middle East. 

Producing a wide range of products, from vaccines to medicines to consumer healthcare products for chronic conditions, Julphar is an international player and distributor.

Addressing health needs in the United Arab Emirates and beyond, Julphar is headquartered in Ras Al Khaimah and employs more than 5,000 people.

With state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing facilities, Julphar ensures its products meet maximum standards of safety and quality, improving quality of-life outcomes across the Middle East. 

6. Genetco 

Founded: 1971
Employees: 1,000
CEO: Hayan Sayed
Revenue: US$1.2bn 

Genetco, established in 1971, represents world-renowned manufacturing multinationals, bringing home and technology appliances in addition to providing expert engineering services and facilities management to the Sultanate of Oman. 

The brands it represents include Hitachi, Gree, York, TCL, Skyworth, JBL  Beko, Best, Golden Star, and Laross Friz Cool among many others. 

Genetco is one of a small number of companies in Oman with 100% market penetration. 

The company works with 150 dealers, power retailers, hypermarkets, institutions, and government bodies to provide consistently high-quality products and services.

5. Ducab Group

Founded: 1979
Employees: 1400+
CEO: Mohammed Al Mutawa
Revenue: US$1.8bn 

Dubai Cable Company was founded in 1979 and is jointly owned by ICD and through Senaat, Abu Dhabi.

Ducab is one of the UAE's largest manufacturing businesses and is a global leader in the development, design, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of copper and aluminium wire and cable products.

Ducab provides world-class manufacturing solutions to the global energy sector, enhancing efficiency and sustainability both nationally and internationally. 

Since its founding in 1979 by the government of Dubai as a joint venture with BICC cables, the Ducab Group has supplied solutions for many landmark projects in the Gulf region and internationally.

Some of our biggest projects in the UAE include Burj Khalifa, Dubai Metro, Emirates Palace, Burj Al Arab, Expo2020 Dubai, Dubai Airport, Atlantis The Palm, and Yas Marina Circuit.

4. Elsewedy Electric Co S.A.E

Founded: 1938
Employees: 19,000
CEO: Ahmed Elsewedy
Revenue: US$5bn 

Elsewedy Electric Co S.A.E. is an Egyptian multinational electrical company.

A family-owned business founded in 1938, Elsewedy Electric Co S.A.E has grown from a local manufacturer of electrical productions to a global technology giant, delivering integrated infrastructure solutions.

It operates in five critical sectors: wires, engineering and construction, digital solutions, infrastructure investments, cables and accessories.

With over 20 subsidiaries and over 18,000 employees, Elsewedy Electric Co S.A.E has a current market value that surpasses US$4.8bn

Earlier this year in March, Elsewedy celebrated its 85th anniversary. 

"As we celebrate 85 years of achievements, we reflect on what we were and what we have become as a result of our enduring commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth," comments Ahmed Elsewedy, President. 

"We are very proud to look back and see how we have evolved into a global force, contributing not only to the economic prosperity of Egypt but also making a significant impact on a global scale.

"Our journey reflects the dedication of our exceptional team, the strength of our partnerships, and our steadfast dedication to shaping a sustainable future."

3. Arçelik

Founded: 1955
Employees: 55,000
CEO: Hakan Bulgurlu
Revenue: US$8.6bn 

Arçelik A.Ş. is a Turkish multinational household appliances manufacturer that engages in the production, marketing and after-sale services of durable goods and their components. 

The manufacturer owns Grundig, Indesit and Beko, which recently secured the 44th spot on TIME Magazine's inaugural list of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies.

Arçelik's Eskişehir Refrigerator Plant was also named a 'Global Lighthouse' by the World Economic Forum, following in the footsteps of Arçelik's Washing Machine Plant in Ulmi, Romania.

Launched in 2018, the Global Lighthouse Network highlights manufacturers leading in digital transformation and sustainability. 

"At Koç Group, we are focused on increasing our competitiveness, improving our technology and innovation capabilities while managing our business through a global lens,” says Koç Holding CEO Levent Çakıroğlu. 

"We see digital transformation as a key component of our cultural transformation program." 

2. Sharp Consumer Electronics

Founded: 1912
Employees: 50,000
CEO: Po-Hsuan Wu
Revenue: US$16.28bn 

Sharp Consumer Electronics is the Dubai-based offshoot of SHARP, a Japanese technology company that has been operating for more than a hundred years. 

With a global presence across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, SHARP is a globally trusted brand known for exceptional electronic products. 

The company leads in R&D, consumer electronics manufacturing, business solutions and sustainable Solar PV technology. 

A strong believer that innovation shapes the future, the company is guided by a dynamic and ambitious corporate philosophy.

SHARP is named after its first major invention in 1915, the 'ever-sharp pencil' the first mechanical retractable pencil in the world. 

1. Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC)

Founded: 1976
Employees: 32,000
CEO: Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh
Revenue: US$37.7bn  

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, known as SABIC, is a Saudi chemical manufacturing company.

The majority of its shares, 70%, belong to Saudi Aramco. 

The manufacturer produces petrochemicals, industrial polymers, chemicals and fertilisers. 

SABIC strives to enhance the efficiency of cars and planes, help global efforts to conserve water and enable highly functional and appealing technological development. 

Manufacturing in industries across construction, agriculture, mass transportation, consumer goods, healthcare and industries, SABIC is one of the most influential manufacturers in the Middle East and the world. 

"Our culture of innovation remains a critical enabler for us," says CEO Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh in SABIC's Integrated Annual Report Executive Summary 2023. 

"Even if many of our exciting and promising initiatives are only the first steps into emerging market opportunities, they represent a statement of intent and confidence in our role as an innovator and market leader, a creative partner for our customers and a catalyst for change." 

As the manufacturing sector across MEA continues to grow and advance, expect further developments.

We hope you've enjoyed our rundown of the top ten manufacturers making an impact, driving advancement and leading on sustainability across the Middle East and Africa. 

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