04 Mar Africa’s fire testing market set for steady growth amid infrastructure and industrial expansion

The fire testing sector across Africa is expected to expand steadily in the coming years as governments, construction firms and industrial operators place greater emphasis on safety compliance and international standards.

According to recent market analysis, the global fire testing market is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.87 per cent between 2024 and 2031. The sector, valued at USD$7.17 billion in 2023, is projected to reach USD$11.28 billion by 2031.

Within the Middle East and Africa region, the market is predicted to grow from $387.06 million in 2024 to $553.60 million by 2031, representing a CAGR of 5.25%. Analysts say this growth will largely be driven by large-scale infrastructure development, expanding industrial operations and stronger alignment with international fire safety standards.

Across Africa, rapid urbanisation and expanding infrastructure projects are increasing demand for fire testing services. Governments and developers are investing heavily in housing, transport infrastructure and commercial construction, all of which require certified fire safety systems and materials.

The building and construction segment remains the dominant application area for fire testing globally and is expected to continue leading demand in African markets. Fire safety certification for residential complexes, office buildings and industrial facilities is becoming increasingly important as cities expand and regulations tighten.

Testing services typically assess the performance of structural elements such as beams, columns and fire-resistant walls, ensuring buildings maintain integrity during a fire and limit the spread of flames and smoke.

Fire-rated doors and windows are also a key focus, as these components help prevent fire propagation and provide safe evacuation routes for occupants.

Africa’s oil and gas sector is another significant contributor to demand for fire testing services. High-risk environments such as offshore platforms and onshore oil fields require rigorous fire detection and suppression systems, as well as certified fire-resistant materials.

Testing services in these environments evaluate everything from flammable material storage to emergency evacuation systems, helping operators meet international safety standards while protecting personnel and infrastructure.

As energy infrastructure continues to expand across the continent, particularly in oil, gas and renewable energy projects, demand for fire testing and certification services is expected to increase further.

The fire testing sector is evolving rapidly, moving beyond traditional furnace testing towards more advanced technologies.

Modern fire tests increasingly include gas toxicity analysis, which measures harmful compounds released during combustion. Smoke inhalation is responsible for many fire-related fatalities, prompting laboratories to adopt advanced techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to analyse smoke composition in real time.

Digital modelling is also transforming the industry. Engineers are beginning to use “digital twin” simulations to predict how fires will spread through buildings before construction begins. These models allow architects to test thousands of potential ignition scenarios virtually, improving fire safety design and reducing risks in complex structures.

New energy systems and materials are also creating opportunities for fire testing services. The growing use of lithium-ion batteries in energy storage systems presents unique fire risks, requiring specialised testing procedures to evaluate battery packs, charging infrastructure and storage facilities.

Similarly, the adoption of innovative construction materials such as engineered timber and bio-based insulation is generating demand for certification services to ensure these products meet fire safety requirements.

Despite strong growth prospects, the fire testing industry faces several challenges. Establishing and operating fire testing laboratories requires significant investment in specialised furnaces, equipment and highly skilled engineers.

In addition, global fire safety standards are often fragmented. A product certified under one regional standard may require additional testing to meet regulations in another market, creating additional costs and complexity for manufacturers.

The fire testing market is dominated by international testing, inspection and certification (TIC) organisations such as SGS SA, Intertek Group plc, Bureau Veritas, UL Solutions and DEKRA.

Many of these companies are expanding their capabilities through acquisitions and strategic partnerships, aiming to provide integrated “total quality assurance” services covering fire safety, cybersecurity certification and supply chain auditing.

Industry analysts say Africa’s fire testing market will continue to grow alongside the continent’s infrastructure development and industrial expansion. As governments strengthen building regulations and companies align with global safety standards, demand for fire testing, inspection and certification services is expected to rise steadily.