Africa Molecular Point of Care Testing (using NAAT) Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Africa Molecular Point of Care Testing (using NAAT) Market Size

• The Africa molecular point of care testing (using NAAT) market size was valued at USD 345.45 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 542.33 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely fueled by the rising prevalence of infectious diseases, ongoing advancements in diagnostic technologies, and increasing demand for rapid, accurate, and decentralized testing solutions across hospitals, clinics, and remote healthcare settings
• Furthermore, expanding healthcare infrastructure, government initiatives to improve disease detection, and growing awareness about early diagnosis are positioning molecular POCT using NAAT as a preferred tool for timely and reliable testing. These converging factors are accelerating the adoption of molecular diagnostic solutions, thereby significantly boosting the industry's growth

Africa Molecular Point of Care Testing (using NAAT) Market Analysis

• Molecular point of care testing (using NAAT) offers rapid, accurate, and decentralized diagnostic solutions for infectious diseases, and is becoming increasingly vital in Africa’s healthcare ecosystem across hospitals, clinics, and remote healthcare facilities due to its efficiency, portability, and ability to provide timely results
• The escalating demand for molecular POCT is primarily fueled by the rising prevalence of infectious diseases, government initiatives to strengthen diagnostic infrastructure, and growing awareness among healthcare providers and patients about the importance of early and accurate detection
• South Africa dominated the Africa molecular POCT market with the largest revenue share of 32.9% in 2024, characterized by advanced healthcare infrastructure, robust adoption of diagnostic technologies, and a strong presence of key industry players, with urban centers experiencing substantial growth in testing adoption, driven by innovations from both established diagnostic companies and emerging startups focusing on rapid, portable NAAT platforms
• Nigeria is expected to be the fastest-growing countries in the Africa molecular POCT market during the forecast period due to increasing healthcare investment, expansion of testing facilities, and rising government and NGO initiatives to improve disease detection
• Respiratory infection testing dominated the Africa molecular POCT market with a market share of 28.9% in 2024, driven by high disease prevalence, clinical importance for rapid diagnosis, and ease of integration into existing healthcare workflows

Report Scope and Africa Molecular Point of Care Testing (using NAAT) Market Segmentation

Africa Molecular Point of Care Testing (using NAAT) Market Trends

Enhanced Efficiency Through Rapid NAAT Platforms

• A significant and accelerating trend in the Africa molecular POCT market is the increasing adoption of rapid NAAT platforms that deliver accurate results at the point of care, improving diagnostic turnaround times and enabling timely treatment decisions
  • For instance, the GeneXpert Omni system provides portable molecular testing for tuberculosis and COVID-19, allowing healthcare workers to perform diagnostics in clinics and remote settings without relying on centralized laboratories
• Integration of automated sample processing and multiplex testing in NAAT devices allows simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens, enhancing testing efficiency and reducing the burden on healthcare staff. For instance, the Abbott ID NOW platform is being utilized in select African clinics for rapid influenza and SARS-CoV-2 detection
• The seamless deployment of these NAAT-based POCT systems in hospitals, clinics, and mobile testing units facilitates wider coverage and improved patient management across urban and rural areas
• This trend toward rapid, portable, and multiplex molecular testing is fundamentally reshaping expectations for infectious disease diagnostics. Consequently, companies such as Cepheid and QIAGEN are developing NAAT solutions with automated sample preparation, faster turnaround, and user-friendly interfaces compatible with low-resource settings
• The demand for rapid, accurate, and decentralized molecular POCT is growing rapidly across both public health and private healthcare sectors, as providers prioritize efficiency, early detection, and timely treatment interventions

Africa Molecular Point of Care Testing (using NAAT) Market Dynamics

Driver

Growing Need Due to Rising Infectious Diseases and Testing Accessibility

• The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and COVID-19, coupled with the expansion of accessible diagnostic infrastructure, is a significant driver for the heightened adoption of molecular POCT in Africa
  • For instance, in March 2024, Kenya introduced mobile NAAT testing units to expand tuberculosis and COVID-19 screening in rural regions, boosting early detection and treatment rates
• As healthcare providers seek to improve disease surveillance and patient outcomes, molecular POCT offers advantages such as rapid results, high sensitivity, and minimal reliance on centralized laboratories
• Furthermore, growing awareness of early diagnosis benefits and government initiatives to strengthen diagnostic networks are making NAAT-based molecular POCT an integral component of public health strategies
• The ability to perform decentralized testing in remote or low-resource settings, combined with user-friendly platforms and portable devices, is a key factor propelling the adoption of molecular POCT in both public and private healthcare sectors across Africa

Restraint/Challenge

Cost and Infrastructure Limitations Hurdle

• Concerns surrounding the high initial cost of NAAT platforms and the need for reliable electricity, temperature-controlled storage, and trained personnel pose significant challenges to broader market penetration
  • For instance, limited funding in rural clinics can delay the deployment of advanced molecular POCT systems despite their clinical benefits
• Addressing these financial and logistical challenges through subsidized programs, partnerships with NGOs, and development of low-resource-compatible NAAT platforms is crucial for expanding adoption
• In addition, the need for ongoing maintenance, calibration, and supply of reagents can limit sustained usage in remote areas, making some facilities hesitant to invest in molecular POCT
• Overcoming these challenges through cost-effective, portable, and low-infrastructure NAAT solutions, along with training programs for healthcare personnel, will be vital for sustained growth in the Africa molecular POCT market

Africa Molecular Point of Care Testing (using NAAT) Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of product, indication, end user, mode of testing, and distribution channel.

• By Product

On the basis of product, the Africa molecular POCT market is segmented into instruments and consumables & reagents. The Instruments segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2024, driven by the high upfront adoption of portable NAAT platforms such as GeneXpert and Abbott ID NOW. Hospitals and centralized laboratories often prioritize instruments for their reliability, accuracy, and ability to perform multiple tests with rapid turnaround. The market sees strong demand due to increasing investment in diagnostic infrastructure and the need for efficient point-of-care testing in both urban and rural healthcare facilities. Instruments are also preferred because they integrate easily with digital reporting systems, supporting disease surveillance and patient management programs. Moreover, ongoing technological innovations in automated sample preparation and multiplex detection are further cementing the dominance of instruments. Their long-term cost-effectiveness compared to repeated consumable-only testing also contributes to widespread adoption.

The Consumables & Reagents segment is expected to witness the fastest growth from 2025 to 2032, fueled by increasing test volumes and expanding adoption of molecular POCT in outpatient clinics, homecare, and mobile testing units. Consumables, including cartridges, reagents, and test kits, are critical for maintaining testing accuracy and are in continuous demand due to recurring usage. Growth is also supported by the rising prevalence of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and respiratory infections in Africa. The ease of distribution of consumables to remote areas and their compatibility with multiple instruments accelerates uptake. Companies focusing on affordable, single-use kits for low-resource settings are driving this segment’s expansion. The convenience, minimal infrastructure requirement, and rapid deployment potential of consumables and reagents further encourage healthcare providers to adopt this segment extensively.

• By Indication

On the basis of indication, the market is segmented into respiratory infections testing, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, gastrointestinal tract infections testing, and others. The Respiratory Infections Testing segment dominated the market in 2024 with a market share of 28.9%, driven by the high prevalence of diseases such as tuberculosis, COVID-19, and influenza across Africa. Hospitals and clinics prioritize respiratory infection testing due to its critical role in public health management and outbreak control. Rapid NAAT platforms for respiratory infections allow early detection, which is essential for timely treatment and reducing disease transmission. Government and NGO-led programs are also promoting respiratory diagnostics in both urban and rural areas, increasing demand. The segment benefits from recurring testing needs in hospitals, intensive care units, and community screening programs. Integration of respiratory NAAT testing into mobile diagnostic units further supports its dominance by reaching underserved populations.

The STI Testing segment is expected to witness the fastest growth from 2025 to 2032, fueled by increasing awareness, rising prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia, and government-led sexual health initiatives. STI testing via NAAT provides high sensitivity and rapid results, essential for early diagnosis and treatment. Expansion of clinic-based and home-based STI testing services is also driving growth. The introduction of affordable, multiplex STI test kits suitable for low-resource settings is accelerating adoption. Mobile outreach programs targeting at-risk populations are contributing to faster uptake. The ease of using NAAT platforms for confidential and accurate STI testing further strengthens this segment’s growth trajectory.

• By End User

On the basis of end user, the market is segmented into laboratories, hospitals, clinics, ambulatory centers, homecare, assisted living facilities, and others. The Hospitals segment dominated the market in 2024, owing to their large-scale patient base, availability of trained personnel, and investment in NAAT platforms for accurate and rapid diagnosis. Hospitals prioritize point-of-care testing for infectious diseases to enhance patient management and reduce hospitalization durations. The segment benefits from high recurring testing volumes, integration with electronic medical records, and government support for hospital diagnostics. Expansion of tertiary care centers and multi-specialty hospitals in Africa further strengthens this segment’s dominance. In addition, hospitals often serve as referral centers for rural clinics, increasing demand for centralized yet accessible NAAT testing.

The Homecare segment is expected to witness the fastest growth from 2025 to 2032, driven by increasing adoption of self-testing kits, remote diagnostics, and the growing preference for decentralized healthcare solutions. Homecare NAAT testing is gaining traction due to the convenience of early detection without visiting healthcare facilities. Rising awareness of infectious disease prevention and the availability of user-friendly, portable test kits support this growth. Partnerships with online pharmacies and telemedicine platforms are accelerating adoption. The segment also benefits from government and NGO initiatives promoting home-based testing for HIV, COVID-19, and other infections. Cost-effective, compact, and easy-to-use NAAT kits enable safe testing in low-resource settings, further boosting the segment.

• By Mode of Testing

On the basis of mode of testing, the market is segmented into prescription-based testing and otc testing. The Prescription-Based Testing segment dominated the market in 2024, driven by regulatory requirements, clinical accuracy needs, and medical supervision for proper interpretation of NAAT results. Hospitals, clinics, and laboratories typically mandate prescription-based testing to ensure quality control and integration with patient treatment plans. Government programs and insurance coverage policies also favor prescription-based diagnostics for proper documentation and reimbursement. Prescription-based NAAT testing supports comprehensive patient management and enables surveillance of infectious disease outbreaks. Frequent use in hospitals and specialized laboratories contributes to its dominant market share. Integration with digital health platforms for reporting and follow-up further strengthens adoption.

The OTC Testing segment is expected to witness the fastest growth from 2025 to 2032, fueled by increasing consumer awareness, self-testing initiatives, and the demand for accessible diagnostics in remote and underserved regions. OTC NAAT kits for diseases such as COVID-19, STIs, and influenza allow individuals to test privately and receive rapid results. Growth is supported by the expansion of e-commerce platforms, home delivery services, and telemedicine consultations. Affordable and user-friendly kits are driving consumer adoption. NGOs and public health campaigns promoting self-testing in rural areas accelerate market penetration. The convenience and confidentiality offered by OTC testing make it increasingly attractive to patients and caregivers.

• By Distribution Channel

On the basis of distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy, and online pharmacy. The Hospital Pharmacy segment dominated the market in 2024, owing to direct availability of NAAT kits and consumables to inpatients, outpatients, and hospital-based clinics. Hospitals integrate these kits with diagnostic workflows for timely testing and treatment. The segment benefits from established supply chains, trained personnel, and government procurement programs. Hospitals also serve as referral points for community clinics, boosting kit distribution volumes. Partnerships with key diagnostic companies ensure the availability of high-quality NAAT platforms and consumables. The dominance of hospital pharmacies is reinforced by recurring testing requirements and integration with patient record systems.

The Online Pharmacy segment is expected to witness the fastest growth from 2025 to 2032, fueled by rising e-commerce adoption, home-based testing demand, and improved digital literacy across urban and semi-urban populations. Consumers increasingly prefer the convenience of ordering NAAT kits online and receiving them at home, especially for STIs and respiratory infections. Telemedicine platforms recommending NAAT self-testing kits further accelerate online adoption. Online pharmacies offer discreet delivery, subscription services, and broader access to multiple test types. Partnerships between diagnostic companies and e-pharmacies are expanding availability. The growth of affordable, portable, and easy-to-use NAAT kits complements this trend, making online pharmacy the fastest-growing distribution channel.

Africa Molecular Point of Care Testing (using NAAT) Market Regional Analysis

• South Africa dominated the Africa molecular POCT market with the largest revenue share of 32.9% in 2024, characterized by advanced healthcare infrastructure, robust adoption of diagnostic technologies, and a strong presence of key industry players, with urban centers experiencing substantial growth in testing adoption, driven by innovations from both established diagnostic companies and emerging startups focusing on rapid, portable NAAT platforms
• Healthcare providers in the region highly value the efficiency, accuracy, and portability offered by NAAT-based molecular POCT, enabling timely diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and COVID-19
• This widespread adoption is further supported by strong investment in hospitals and laboratories, the presence of skilled healthcare personnel, and ongoing integration of NAAT platforms into public health programs, establishing molecular POCT as a preferred diagnostic solution for both urban and rural healthcare facilities across South Africa

The South Africa Molecular POCT Market Insight

The South Africa molecular POCT market captured the largest revenue share of 32.9% in 2024, fueled by advanced healthcare infrastructure, high adoption of NAAT diagnostic platforms, and government initiatives promoting rapid infectious disease detection. Healthcare providers prioritize timely and accurate testing for tuberculosis, HIV, and COVID-19, with hospitals and clinics increasingly integrating molecular POCT into routine diagnostics. The rising investment in hospital-based laboratories and mobile diagnostic units further propels market growth. In addition, the strong presence of key industry players and ongoing innovation in portable NAAT systems are significantly contributing to the expansion of the South African market.

Kenya Molecular POCT Market Insight

The Kenya molecular POCT market is projected to expand at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period, primarily driven by rising prevalence of infectious diseases and initiatives to improve access to diagnostics in rural and urban areas. Public health programs and NGO-led mobile testing units are facilitating widespread adoption of NAAT testing for tuberculosis, HIV, and COVID-19. The growing awareness of early disease detection, coupled with government funding and partnerships with diagnostic companies, is enhancing the deployment of point-of-care solutions across hospitals and community clinics.

Nigeria Molecular POCT Market Insight

The Nigeria molecular POCT market is anticipated to grow at a noteworthy CAGR during the forecast period, driven by increasing government healthcare programs, high infectious disease burden, and a rising emphasis on rapid and decentralized diagnostics. Hospitals, clinics, and mobile health initiatives are adopting NAAT platforms to enhance early detection of tuberculosis, HIV, and COVID-19. The growing acceptance of point-of-care testing, along with collaboration between public and private healthcare providers, continues to stimulate market growth in Nigeria.

East Africa (Including Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania) Molecular POCT Market Insight

The East Africa molecular POCT market is expected to expand at a considerable CAGR during the forecast period, fueled by increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure and rising awareness of infectious disease control. Mobile testing initiatives, donor-funded programs, and government campaigns to detect and manage tuberculosis, HIV, and COVID-19 are driving adoption. The focus on affordable, portable NAAT solutions suitable for low-resource settings further supports market expansion in East African countries.

Africa Molecular Point of Care Testing (using NAAT) Market Share

The Africa Molecular Point of Care Testing (using NAAT) industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• Abbott (U.S.)
• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland)
• Siemens Healthineers AG (Germany)
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.)
• BIOMÉRIEUX (France)
• Hologic, Inc. (U.S.)
• Seegene Inc. (South Korea)
• Sysmex Corporation (Japan)
• SD Biosensor, Inc. (South Korea)
• Cepheid (U.S.)
• QIAGEN (Germany)
• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.)
• Grifols, S.A. (Spain)
• Quidel Corporation (U.S.)
• Meridian Bioscience, Inc. (U.S.)
• Sekisui Diagnostics, LLC (U.S.)
• Molbio Diagnostics Limited. (India)
• Moldiag (Morocco)

What are the Recent Developments in Africa Molecular Point of Care Testing (using NAAT) Market?

• In July 2025, Roche and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) launched the Leadership Excellence for African Diagnostics (LEAD) initiative. This three-year program focuses on mentorship and training to build laboratory leadership capabilities across Africa, aiming to strengthen diagnostic infrastructure and leadership in the region
• In April 2025, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) added a new molecular diagnostic test for mpox to its recommended list. This inclusion reflects the growing emphasis on enhancing laboratory testing, surveillance, and response activities across African countries to combat emerging infectious diseases
• In October 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the first mpox diagnostic test for emergency use, aiming to enhance global access to rapid diagnostics for mpox, particularly in low-resource settings. This approval underscores the urgent need for decentralized testing solutions in Africa to manage infectious disease outbreaks effectively
• In October 2024, Co-Diagnostics announced that it would host a booth at Medlab Africa in Cape Town from October 22–24, 2024. The company is set to showcase its Co-Dx™ PCR platform, which includes tests for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. This platform is designed for at-home and point-of-care use, aiming to enhance diagnostic accessibility across Africa
• In June 2024, the Dubai Health Insurance Corporation published recommendations advocating for the expanded use of point-of-care testing, including molecular assays for influenza and Group A Streptococcus pharyngitis, in outpatient and inpatient settings. These guidelines emphasize the importance of rapid diagnostics in improving patient outcomes and reducing the spread of infectious diseases

SKU-66923