Why Africa Is Buying More Indian Engineering Goods
Published trade figures for FY2025-26 show engineering goods as India's largest export category to Africa.
Indian engineering goods are one of the largest categories India sells to Africa. The numbers published for the last year show why African importers and distributors keep adding Indian suppliers.
The scale of the trade
IBEF reports that India's exports to Africa were US$45.42 billion in FY2025-26, up from US$42.70 billion the year before. Engineering goods were US$12.36 billion of that, or 27.22%, the largest single category. Petroleum products came next at US$9.91 billion.
The top African destinations by share of India's exports there were South Africa (15.43%), Tanzania (11.93%), Kenya (8.84%), Egypt (8.66%) and Nigeria (6.90%).
Growth in the latest months
EEPC India reports that engineering exports to Sub-Saharan Africa grew 29.36% to US$5.02 billion in April to August 2025-26, and that exports to South Africa grew 30.6% to US$1.51 billion over the same period.
What buyers get from Indian suppliers
A wide range from one source: bearings, fasteners, belts, seals and tools in common international sizes. Buyers can choose brand or equivalent grade, and consolidate mixed items in one shipment.
What to check
Confirm the quality grade, the documents your country needs and the route for landlocked destinations before you order. A good supplier will help you with each.
Key Takeaways
- India exported US$45.42 billion to Africa in FY2025-26
- Engineering goods were 27.22% of it
- Engineering exports to Sub-Saharan Africa grew 29.36% in April to August 2025-26
- Agree grade, documents and route before ordering
This article is general guidance. For a recommendation for your own application, contact our engineering team. Export to Africa →