Africa's furniture market, valued at over $20 billion in 2024, is entering a new phase of growth in 2025, fueled by rapid urbanisation, a rising middle class, and renewed demand for locally made, sustainable furniture. According to The African Exponent, the continent's top furniture manufacturers now blend craftsmanship, technology, and cultural design, marking a shift toward industrial self-sufficiency.
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Leading the sector is Pepkor Holdings (South Africa), whose Lifestyle division, operating brands like Russells, Bradlows, and Rochester, generated around R11 billion in revenue from furniture and home goods in 2024. Its 2025 acquisition of Shoprite's furniture business further strengthens its retail reach across Southern Africa.
Other notable players include:
- Coricraft (South Africa) – Expanding domestic production and store networks under The
- Foschini Group, supported by the Localisation Support Fund to replace imports.
- Vava Furniture (Nigeria) – Operating 13 factories and 16 showrooms nationwide, with over 1,300 employees producing 35,000 furniture units annually.
- Me&Co (South Africa) – Producing over 70,000 locally designed furniture pieces yearly, distributed through 100+ retailers.
- Latex Foam (Ghana) – West Africa's largest foam and mattress manufacturer, exporting to multiple ECOWAS countries.
- Fine Wood Works (Kenya) – A heritage woodworking firm focused on premium hospitality and residential furniture.
- Taeillo (Nigeria) – A tech-driven furniture startup using AR/VR tools to enhance e-commerce and design experiences.
From legacy giants like Chagoury Group's Silhouette Furniture to rising innovators such as Taeillo, African furniture makers are emphasising local materials, sustainability, and design authenticity. These firms not only power domestic economies but are also gaining global recognition for quality and innovation, proving that "Made in Africa" can compete with the best in international design and manufacturing.
Source: www.africanexponent.com
