Middle East and Africa Geosynthetics Market Size, Share, and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Middle East and Africa Geosynthetics Market Size

• The Middle East and Africa geosynthetics market size was valued at USD 1.04 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.89 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 7.80% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely fuelled by the rising investments in infrastructure development, growing emphasis on sustainable construction practices, and the increasing need for soil stabilization and erosion control across arid regions
• Rapid urbanization, along with the need for effective waste management and water conservation systems, is contributing to the expanding application of geosynthetics across sectors such as transportation, mining, and agriculture in the region

Middle East and Africa Geosynthetics Market Analysis

• The market is experiencing significant momentum due to urban expansion, highway and rail network projects, and large-scale water resource management initiatives in countries such as the U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, and South Africa
• The demand for geosynthetics, including geotextiles, geomembranes, and geogrids, is also being driven by the construction of oil and gas pipelines, landfills, and mining operations, where reinforcement, filtration, and containment solutions are critical
• Saudi Arabia dominates the Middle East and Africa geosynthetics market, accounting for the largest revenue share in 2024, owing to its aggressive infrastructure development initiatives under Vision 2030
• ​South Africa is expected to witness the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the Middle East and Africa geosynthetics market due to rising investments in roadways, mining operations, and urban expansion. The country’s growing focus on environmental sustainability and the adoption of cost-effective, durable construction materials are contributing to the rising use of geosynthetics across both public and private sector projects
• The geotextiles segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2024, primarily due to their widespread application in road construction, landfills, and erosion control. Their cost-effectiveness, filtration properties, and soil stabilization capabilities make them a preferred material in infrastructure and environmental projects across arid and semi-arid zones. Increasing road development and urban expansion across the region further support the segment’s strong demand

Report Scope and Middle East and Africa Geosynthetics Market Segmentation       

Middle East and Africa Geosynthetics Market Trends

Rising Integration of Geosynthetics in Infrastructure and Environmental Projects

• The Middle East and Africa region is witnessing a rising demand for geosynthetics due to increased investment in large-scale infrastructure development, such as highways, airports, ports, and railways. These materials play a crucial role in soil reinforcement, drainage, and separation, helping improve the lifespan and durability of engineered structures. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are major contributors to this trend, with ongoing megaprojects requiring advanced geotechnical solutions
• Environmental concerns are also driving the integration of geosynthetics in waste management and water conservation applications. Geomembranes and geotextiles are widely used for landfill liners, leachate collection systems, and water reservoirs, particularly in regions dealing with water scarcity. Their ability to provide cost-effective containment and reduce environmental degradation makes them essential for sustainable project planning
• For instance, in 2023, Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project incorporated geosynthetic liners to safeguard its coastal ecology during resort construction, setting a benchmark for eco-conscious infrastructure development in the region. This application demonstrated the material’s environmental resilience and adaptability to extreme climatic conditions
• Rapid urbanization in Sub-Saharan Africa is also increasing demand for geosynthetic solutions in drainage and flood mitigation projects. Cities such as Lagos and Nairobi are investing in geotextile-based stormwater management systems to combat seasonal flooding and support resilient infrastructure expansion
• As governments emphasize sustainability and climate-resilient construction, the geosynthetics market is expected to continue expanding. Innovation in locally manufactured, durable materials and the growing acceptance of performance-based designs are crucial for long-term growth across the region

Middle East and Africa Geosynthetics Market Dynamics

Driver

Expanding Infrastructure Development and Regulatory Emphasis on Environmental Sustainability

• The surge in government-led infrastructure programs across the Middle East and Africa is significantly boosting the demand for geosynthetics. From road and rail expansions to energy and water projects, geosynthetics are integral to ensuring structural integrity, reducing material consumption, and minimizing maintenance costs. Their use in base reinforcement and subgrade separation helps optimize project performance in challenging soil conditions

• Environmental protection regulations are becoming stricter, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, leading to increased use of geomembranes, geotextiles, and geonets in landfills, mining operations, and oil and gas containment. These materials are critical in preventing leachate seepage, conserving groundwater, and supporting zero-waste policies

• Government tenders and infrastructure standards are increasingly specifying geosynthetics in design and procurement frameworks. This formal acknowledgment is elevating market visibility and encouraging investment in manufacturing capacity across the region

• For instance, in 2022, the Egyptian government launched a national geotechnical initiative requiring the use of geosynthetics in all major road construction projects. This move not only improved construction efficiency but also reduced long-term maintenance expenditures by over 20% according to project reports

• As infrastructure spending accelerates and environmental goals rise in priority, demand for geosynthetics is expected to grow consistently. Stakeholders will need to focus on localized product solutions, training for engineers and contractors, and collaboration with regulatory authorities to sustain market momentum

Restraint/Challenge

High Installation Costs and Limited Technical Expertise in Remote Regions

• Despite their long-term benefits, the upfront cost of geosynthetic materials and their installation remains a challenge, particularly in price-sensitive or resource-constrained countries. Budget limitations in several African nations restrict the adoption of high-performance geosynthetics, especially for public sector projects without international funding or donor support

• Installation of geosynthetics requires skilled labor and precise techniques to ensure performance outcomes. However, several regions in the Middle East and Africa face a shortage of trained personnel, which often results in suboptimal application and premature system failures. This hampers trust in the technology and slows market penetration

• Logistical and supply chain constraints also affect timely material availability in remote or landlocked areas. High transport costs, customs delays, and inconsistent distributor networks make it difficult to execute projects on schedule and within budget

• For instance, in 2023, infrastructure contractors in Ethiopia and Uganda reported delays in highway stabilization projects due to a lack of qualified installers and challenges sourcing geogrids, impacting project timelines and inflating costs by over 15%

• While training programs and localized manufacturing can address these issues, industry collaboration is essential to build sustainable supply chains and technical knowledge. Promoting awareness about lifecycle savings and creating regional hubs for geosynthetics expertise will be key to overcoming these barriers

Middle East and Africa Geosynthetics Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of product type into geotextiles, geomembranes, geogrids, geocells, geonets, and others.

• By Product

On the basis of product, the Middle East and Africa geosynthetics market is segmented into geotextiles, geomembranes, geogrids, geocells, geonets, and others. The geotextiles segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2024, primarily due to their widespread application in road construction, landfills, and erosion control. Their cost-effectiveness, filtration properties, and soil stabilization capabilities make them a preferred material in infrastructure and environmental projects across arid and semi-arid zones. Increasing road development and urban expansion across the region further support the segment’s strong demand.

The geomembranes segment is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, fueled by rising adoption in water containment, mining, and waste management applications. These impermeable liners are critical in controlling seepage and contamination, especially in water-scarce environments where groundwater protection is essential. As environmental regulations tighten and the need for sustainable infrastructure rises, the demand for geomembranes continues to surge across Middle Eastern and African markets.

Middle East and Africa Geosynthetics Market Regional Analysis

• Saudi Arabia dominates the Middle East and Africa geosynthetics market, accounting for the largest revenue share in 2024, owing to its aggressive infrastructure development initiatives under Vision 2030
• The country’s focus on mega-projects such as NEOM, The Line, and large-scale transportation corridors is significantly boosting the demand for advanced geosynthetic solutions in soil reinforcement, drainage, and environmental containment
• Public sector support, combined with regulatory mandates to integrate sustainable materials, is encouraging widespread use of geomembranes in landfills, geotextiles in roads, and geonets in water management systems
• In addition, collaborations with international engineering firms and technology providers are improving local execution capabilities and product innovation
• As Saudi Arabia continues to prioritize ecological sustainability alongside urban transformation, the geosynthetics market is expected to play a critical role in ensuring infrastructure durability, reducing environmental risks, and improving project efficiency across multiple sectors

South Africa Geosynthetics Market Insight

South Africa is expected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, driven by increasing infrastructure rehabilitation, mining activity, and environmental protection initiatives. The government's growing focus on upgrading roadways, landfills, and water management systems is boosting the demand for geotextiles, geomembranes, and geogrids. In addition, the adoption of sustainable construction practices and the rising need for erosion control and soil stabilization in both urban and rural development projects are expected to support strong market growth in South Africa over the forecast period.

Middle East and Africa Geosynthetics Market Share

The Middle East and Africa Geosynthetics industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• Mattex Group (Saudi Arabia)
• Fibertex Nonwovens A/S (South Africa)
• Africor Construction and Civils (South Africa)
• Geotextiles Africa (South Africa)
• TenCate Geosynthetics Middle East (U.A.E)
• Kaytech Engineered Fabrics (South Africa)
• Atarfil Middle East FZ-LLC (U.A.E)
• Naue GmbH & Co. KG – Middle East Division (U.A.E)
• Maccaferri Middle East (U.A.E.)
• Solmax Middle East (Saudi Arabia)

Latest Developments in Middle East and Africa Geosynthetics Market

• In March 2023, Maccaferri played a key role in the completion of Tanzania's major rail infrastructure by providing an innovative soil erosion control solution. This development enhances regional connectivity to global markets and supports sustainable infrastructure. The company’s involvement is expected to strengthen its market presence and drive revenue growth in the Middle East and Africa geosynthetics sector
• In March 2022, Freudenberg Performance Materials announced a phased price increase for its roofing products in the building and construction sector. Effective April 1, 2022, prices rose by 9%, followed by an additional 6% increase on May 1, 2022. This adjustment was made to offset rising production costs and maintain quality standards, potentially improving profit margins and supporting the company's long-term market competitiveness

SKU-69890