Middle East & Africa Utility Poles Market Outlook, 2031
The Middle East and Africa Utility Poles Market is segmented into By Application (Transmission, Distribution, Telecommunication, Lighting, Others); By Pole Size (Below 40ft, Between 40 & 70ft, Above 70ft); By Installation Type (New Installation, Replacement); By Material (Wood, Steel, Concrete, Composites).
- Bonafide Research
- 07-08-2026
- Pages : 77
- Figures : 6
- Tables : 18
- Region : MEA
- Category : Energy & Utility
- Power storage & Backup
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Reecha Roy — Research Analyst
Middle East and Africa Utility Poles market is anticipated to add USD 1.11 Billion by 2026–31.
- Historical Period2020-2024
- Base Year2025
- Forecast Period2026-2031
- Largest MarketSaudi Arabia
- Fastest Market South Africa
- Market Difference(2026-31) USD 1.11 Billion
- Format
Featured Companies
- 1. Valmont Industries Inc.
- 2. Koppers Holdings, Inc.
- 3. Skipper Limited
- 4. Hill & Smith Holdings Plc
- 5. KEC International Ltd.
- 6. El Sewedy Electric Company
- More...
Utility Poles Market Analysis
The Middle East and Africa utility poles market is experiencing a transformative phase, driven by the expansion of national grids, integration of renewable energy, and the urgent need to address aging infrastructure. State-owned utilities across the region are executing massive capital investment programs. In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) deployed a record SAR 59.8 billion in capital expenditure during 2024, a 43.8% increase from the previous year, aimed at accelerating investments in grid infrastructure. The grid peak load in 2024 increased by 5.8% to 74.8 GW, while electricity consumption rose 2.8% to 324 TWh, with more than 341,000 new subscribers connected to the grid. In the UAE, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) reported record consolidated revenue of AED 32.84 billion for 2025, a 6.02% year-on-year increase, driven by sustained growth in electricity, water, and cooling demand. DEWA generated 62.21 TWh of power in 2025, up 5.10% from a year earlier. In South Africa, Eskom recorded its first profit in eight years in 2024, supported by government debt relief, new tariffs, and higher sales, with over 200 consecutive days without load shedding and an improved Energy Availability Factor averaging 66%. Morocco’s National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) replaced 5,689 electrical poles between 2018 and 2024, with a budget of approximately 10 million dirhams, and plans to replace 4,729 additional poles in 2025 at a projected cost of 8.67 million dirhams. These developments are reshaping the region's electricity infrastructure, driving demand for transmission towers, distribution poles, and supporting infrastructure across the Middle East and Africa. According to the research report, "Middle East and Africa Utility Poles Market Outlook, 2031," published by Bonafide Research, the Middle East and Africa Utility Poles market is anticipated to add USD 1.11 Billion by 2026–31. Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), the national vertically integrated utility in the Kingdom, is pursuing an ambitious strategy to expand its transmission network to approximately 160,000 km by 2030, with plans to install 9 new HVDC lines between regions and neighboring countries. The company is also advancing digital transformation and automation of distribution substations under Saudi Vision 2030. In the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) and Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC), subsidiaries of TAQA, are being unified under a single brand to serve customers throughout the Emirate, reflecting the consolidation of distribution operations. The GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) operates a 400 kV, 50 Hz double-circuit backbone connecting the Gulf states, with a new AED 752 million agreement to expand transmission capacity through a 96-kilometre 400 kV double-circuit overhead transmission line linking the UAE to the GCC grid. In Africa, Eskom has signed a memorandum of understanding with RTE International, the Agence française de développement (AFD), and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) to establish a two-year, peer-to-peer technical cooperation programme to enhance South Africa's power grid. In Ghana, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has unveiled a GH¢3.46 billion phased programme to address power reliability challenges, including the replacement of 1,600 rotten poles and installation of 2,500 new 11-metre treated poles. The Egyptian Electricity Holding Company (EEHC) has signed a cooperation protocol with Schneider Electric Egypt to minimize technical losses in medium-voltage networks. Entry barriers in this market are significant, requiring compliance with national standards and utility specifications, such as Kenya Power's DKS 1933 standard for concrete poles.
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Download SampleMarket Dynamics
Market Drivers
• Massive Grid Investment and Infrastructure Expansion:State-owned utilities across the Middle East and Africa are executing unprecedented capital investment programs. SEC deployed a record SAR 59.8 billion in capital expenditure in 2024, a 43.8% increase year-on-year. DEWA reported record consolidated revenue of AED 32.84 billion for 2025. Ghana's ECG unveiled a GH¢3.46 billion programme to address power reliability challenges. These investments are driving demand for new transmission towers, distribution poles, and grid infrastructure.• Energy Transition and Renewable Integration:The region's push for renewable energy integration is creating significant demand for new transmission and distribution infrastructure. SEC is currently developing 11 generation projects with an aggregate 23.4 GW of capacity. DEWA's clean energy output rose 52.38% to 10.10 TWh in 2025, accounting for 16.23% of its total power generation. Morocco's ONEE has commissioned 400 kV lines connecting to solar plants. The integration of renewable energy requires extensive grid reinforcement and new utility pole installations.
Market Challenges
• Grid Infrastructure Underfunding and Vandalism:Africa's electricity infrastructure faces significant challenges from chronic underfunding and vandalism. Nigeria's Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has spent approximately N8.8 billion to repair vandalized transmission towers, with the company's MD warning that the nation's transmission backbone is facing a full-blown crisis due to massive vandalism, the worst in the company's history. Ghana's ECG reported the loss of 1,064 distribution transformers in 2024, with only about 300 replaced by 2025. These challenges threaten grid reliability and create significant replacement demand.• Aging Infrastructure and Replacement Backlog:A significant portion of the region's utility pole infrastructure has exceeded its designed lifespan and requires urgent replacement. Morocco's ONEE has replaced 5,689 electrical poles between 2018 and 2024, with plans to replace 4,729 additional poles in 2025. Ghana's ECG has identified 1,600 rotten poles requiring replacement in the low-voltage network. Eskom has a scheduled wood pole maintenance program based on a 10-year cycle to manage the inspection and replacement of defective poles. The replacement backlog is driving sustained demand across the region.
Market Trends
• Composite Pole Adoption for Sustainability:The region is witnessing a shift toward advanced composite materials for utility poles. Under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy, SEC and the Oil Sustainability Program (OSP) have launched a pilot project to deploy Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) poles in low-voltage electricity distribution lines. The poles offer exceptional corrosion resistance and the ability to withstand extreme environmental conditions, making them ideal for the Kingdom's climate. The local manufacturing of GFRP poles supports the localization of energy sector components under the "Nuwatin" Program. Morocco's ONEE has launched a USD 6.3 million project to replace ageing wooden transmission poles with prestressed concrete poles on two key transmission lines.• Grid Interconnection and Regional Integration:Cross-border grid interconnection projects are creating new opportunities for utility pole infrastructure. The GCCIA network is one of the most ambitious cross-border power projects globally, with a new AED 752 million agreement to expand transmission capacity through a 96-kilometre 400 kV double-circuit overhead transmission line. The Gulf electricity interconnection project with Iraq has reached 94% completion, with the first phase expected to supply 500 MW of additional electricity. Egypt is also connecting to the regional grid through projects linking to Saudi Arabia. These interconnections require extensive new transmission line infrastructure.
Utility Poles Segmentation
| By Application | Transmission | |
| Distribution | ||
| Telecommunication | ||
| Lighting | ||
| Others | ||
| By Material | Wood | |
| Steel | ||
| Concrete | ||
| Composites | ||
| By Pole Size | Below 40ft | |
| Between 40 & 70ft | ||
| Above 70ft | ||
| By Installation Type | New Installation | |
| Replacement | ||
| MEA | United Arab Emirates | |
| Saudi Arabia | ||
| South Africa | ||
Telecommunication is the fastest-growing application in the Middle East and Africa due to the rapid expansion of 5G networks, fiber optic infrastructure, and digital connectivity initiatives across the region. • Saudi Arabia's Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) has established rules for access to physical facilities, enabling telecommunications providers to attach 5G equipment to utility poles. The Kingdom's 5G network has achieved significant coverage, with Riyadh reaching 92.7% coverage. This regulatory framework accelerates the deployment of small cells on existing utility poles. • TAWAL, Saudi Arabia's leading telecommunications infrastructure company, has partnered with 5SKYE to advance the deployment of smart poles and micro-edge data centres across the Kingdom. This collaboration enables next-generation technologies such as 5G and IoT, transforming utility poles from passive assets into active nodes of digital connectivity. • The UAE is at the forefront of smart pole deployment, with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) implementing a comprehensive Street Lighting Plan targeting the illumination of 40 areas across the city. Smart lamp posts along Sheikh Zayed Road function as environmental monitors, connectivity hubs, and security surveillance points. • Ghana's ECG has unveiled a GH¢3.46 billion programme that includes the installation of smart poles and advanced grid monitoring systems. The "Operation Keep the Lights On" initiative aims to strengthen power distribution infrastructure while enabling digital connectivity in urban areas. • Kenya Power (KPLC) has issued tenders for the design, supply, and installation of special utility poles, reflecting the growing demand for poles that support both electricity distribution and telecommunications infrastructure. The company's Last Mile Connectivity programme is integrating power distribution with digital infrastructure. • The African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030) prioritize the expansion of broadband connectivity across the continent. Utility poles serve as the physical backbone for fiber optic networks, driving demand for pole-mounted telecommunications equipment. • Smart poles integrating 5G small cells, LED lighting, and environmental sensors are being deployed across major cities in the region. These multi-functional poles support smart city applications, including traffic management, public safety, and environmental monitoring, transforming utility infrastructure into digital platforms. Steel is the largest material segment in the Middle East and Africa due to its superior strength, durability, and ability to withstand the region's extreme environmental conditions. • Saudi Arabia's SEC is pursuing an ambitious strategy to expand its transmission network to approximately 160,000 km by 2030, installing 9 new HVDC lines. The company's record SAR 59.8 billion capital expenditure in 2024 is driving demand for steel transmission towers and poles, essential for supporting high-voltage lines across vast desert terrain. • The UAE's DEWA has invested more than AED 10 billion in electricity transmission network projects, expanding its 400 kV network to 27 GIS substations. Steel poles are the preferred material for these high-voltage transmission lines due to their ability to withstand Dubai's extreme heat and coastal humidity. • The GCCIA network, a 400 kV double-circuit backbone connecting Gulf states, requires extensive steel tower infrastructure. A new AED 752 million agreement will expand transmission capacity through a 96-kilometre 400 kV double-circuit overhead transmission line, creating significant demand for steel utility poles. • Morocco's ONEE has launched a USD 6.3 million project to replace ageing wooden transmission poles with prestressed concrete poles, reflecting the region's shift toward more durable materials. Steel poles remain essential for transmission applications requiring the highest structural integrity. • South Africa's Eskom has a scheduled wood pole maintenance program based on a 10-year cycle, but is increasingly specifying steel poles for high-voltage transmission and critical infrastructure. The country's grid expansion projects require steel poles for their superior strength and longevity. • Nigeria's TCN, the sole manager of the country's high-voltage network, faces challenges from vandalism of transmission towers. Steel poles offer greater resistance to vandalism and theft compared to wood alternatives, making them increasingly attractive for securing critical grid infrastructure. • Ghana's ECG has recorded the loss of 1,064 distribution transformers in 2024, highlighting the need for robust infrastructure. Steel poles, with their superior durability and resistance to environmental degradation, are increasingly specified for new installations and replacements. Between 40 and 70ft poles are the largest pole size segment in the Middle East and Africa, serving as the primary infrastructure for electricity distribution across urban and rural networks. • Distribution networks across the region rely on poles in the 40-70ft height range as the standard for medium-voltage electricity delivery. These poles provide the optimal balance between structural height, load-bearing capacity, and cost-effectiveness for distribution applications. • SEC's grid expansion program, which aims to add 160,000 km of transmission lines by 2030, includes significant distribution network reinforcement. Ghana's ECG has installed 2,500 new 11-metre treated poles as part of its GH¢3.46 billion reliability programme. • Kenya Power's specifications for distribution lines utilize 12m high wooden poles with average spacing of 100m. The company's tender for 76,657 treated wooden poles includes heights ranging between 10 and 18 metres, reflecting the dominance of the 40-70ft size range. • Morocco's ONEE has replaced 5,689 electrical poles between 2018 and 2024 and plans to replace 4,729 additional poles in 2025. The majority of these replacement poles fall within the 40-70ft size range, serving the country's extensive distribution network. • Egypt's EEHC has issued specifications for tension and suspension fiber glass poles for medium voltage electricity networks (11 and 22 kV). The 40-70ft size range is the standard for these medium-voltage distribution applications. • Ghana's ECG has identified 1,600 rotten poles requiring replacement in the low-voltage network. The replacement poles are specified at 11 metres, consistent with the 40-70ft range, reinforcing its dominance as the standard distribution pole height. • The 40-70ft size range provides adequate ground clearance for medium-voltage lines while supporting pole-mounted transformers and other distribution equipment, making it the most versatile and widely used pole size across the region. New installation is the fastest-growing installation type in the Middle East and Africa, driven by unprecedented grid expansion, renewable energy integration, and electrification initiatives. • Saudi Arabia's SEC is executing an ambitious expansion program, with grid peak load increasing by 5.8% to 74.8 GW in 2024. The company connected more than 341,000 new subscribers to the grid, requiring extensive new pole installations to extend electricity access. • The GCCIA is expanding regional connectivity through new transmission lines, including a 96-kilometre 400 kV double-circuit overhead transmission line linking the UAE to the GCC grid. The Gulf interconnection project with Iraq is 94% complete and will supply 500 MW of additional electricity. • Ghana's ECG has unveiled a GH¢3.46 billion programme that includes the installation of 2,500 new 11-metre treated poles and 2,500 new transformers to strengthen distribution infrastructure. The programme also includes the provision of cable termination and joint kits for underground cable systems. • Angola's National Electricity Transmission Network is expanding access through projects such as the Malanje/Kiwaba N'Zogi line (81 kilometres) and the Malanje/Caculama-Mucari line (59 kilometres), both with a capacity of 110 kV. These new lines require extensive new pole installations. • Morocco's ONEE is building 400 kV lines connecting to solar plants and reinforcing the country's electricity infrastructure. The new lines are designed to enhance security of electricity supply and increase power transfer capacity across the national grid. • South Africa's Eskom has added 2,500 MW of new capacity to the grid by March 2025 under its strategic goal, representing a major step in completing one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country's history. New generation capacity requires new transmission and distribution infrastructure. • Nigeria's TCN is committed to a robust grid expansion program and upgrading its infrastructure, including high-tension transmission lines, to maintain grid stability and extend electricity access to its growing population. New installations are essential to expand the country's transmission network.
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Utility Poles Market Regional Insights
Saudi Arabia is the largest market in the Middle East and Africa for utility poles, driven by SEC's record SAR 59.8 billion capital expenditure, the expansion of its transmission network to 160,000 km by 2030, and the Kingdom's Vision 2030 infrastructure transformation. • SEC deployed a record SAR 59.8 billion in capital expenditure during 2024, a 43.8% increase from the previous year, marking the largest capital investments in the company's history. The company's revenues increased 17.7% to SR88.7 billion in 2024, driven by a growing regulated asset base and increased demand for electric power. • SEC is pursuing an ambitious strategy to expand its transmission network to approximately 160,000 km by 2030, with plans to install 9 new HVDC lines between regions and neighboring countries. The company's capital investments are supporting the unprecedented transformation of the power sector in line with Saudi Vision 2030. • The grid peak load in 2024 increased by 5.8% to 74.8 GW, while electricity consumption rose 2.8% to 324 TWh. More than 341,000 new subscribers were connected to the grid in 2024, driving sustained demand for new utility poles. • Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy has launched a pilot project with SEC and the Oil Sustainability Program (OSP) to deploy Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) poles in low-voltage electricity distribution lines. The project includes the installation of 35 poles across five different regions, supporting the localization of energy sector components under the "Nuwatin" Program. • SEC is currently developing 11 generation projects with an aggregate 23.4 GW of capacity, including directly owned capacity projects (10.476 GW), expansions, partnerships (5.324 GW), and JV projects. These generation projects require extensive transmission and distribution infrastructure, driving demand for utility poles. • The Saudi Electricity Company is enhancing grid reliability through increased automation of distribution substations, targeting 40% automation rate in line with international best practices. The company's focus on accelerating innovation and advancing digital transformation supports the modernization of utility pole infrastructure. • The Kingdom's energy localization efforts, including agreements worth over SAR 54.7 billion signed at the Energy Localization Forum, aim for a 75 percent localization rate of SEC's needs. This localization strategy is driving the development of domestic utility pole manufacturing capabilities, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's position as the largest market in the region.
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Companies Mentioned
- Valmont Industries Inc.
- Koppers Holdings, Inc.
- Skipper Limited
- Hill & Smith Holdings Plc
- KEC International Ltd.
- El Sewedy Electric Company
- DAJI Towers
- Europoles GmbH
Table of Contents
- 1. Executive Summary
- 2. Market Dynamics
- 2.1. Market Drivers & Opportunities
- 2.2. Market Restraints & Challenges
- 2.3. Market Trends
- 2.4. Supply chain Analysis
- 2.5. Policy & Regulatory Framework
- 2.6. Industry Experts Views
- 3. Research Methodology
- 3.1. Secondary Research
- 3.2. Primary Data Collection
- 3.3. Market Formation & Validation
- 3.4. Report Writing, Quality Check & Delivery
- 4. Market Structure
- 4.1. Market Considerate
- 4.2. Assumptions
- 4.3. Limitations
- 4.4. Abbreviations
- 4.5. Sources
- 4.6. Definitions
- 5. Economic /Demographic Snapshot
- 6. Middle East & Africa Utility Poles Market Outlook
- 6.1. Market Size By Value
- 6.2. Market Share By Country
- 6.3. Market Size and Forecast, By Application
- 6.4. Market Size and Forecast, By Pole Size
- 6.5. Market Size and Forecast, By Installation Type
- 6.6. Market Size and Forecast, By Material
- 6.7. United Arab Emirates (UAE) Utility Poles Market Outlook
- 6.7.1. Market Size by Value
- 6.7.2. Market Size and Forecast By Application
- 6.7.3. Market Size and Forecast By Pole Size
- 6.7.4. Market Size and Forecast By Installation Type
- 6.8. Saudi Arabia Utility Poles Market Outlook
- 6.8.1. Market Size by Value
- 6.8.2. Market Size and Forecast By Application
- 6.8.3. Market Size and Forecast By Pole Size
- 6.8.4. Market Size and Forecast By Installation Type
- 6.9. South Africa Utility Poles Market Outlook
- 6.9.1. Market Size by Value
- 6.9.2. Market Size and Forecast By Application
- 6.9.3. Market Size and Forecast By Pole Size
- 6.9.4. Market Size and Forecast By Installation Type
- 7. Competitive Landscape
- 7.1. Competitive Dashboard
- 7.2. Business Strategies Adopted by Key Players
- 7.3. Porter's Five Forces
- 7.4. Company Profile
- 7.4.1. Valmont Industries, Inc.
- 7.4.1.1. Company Snapshot
- 7.4.1.2. Company Overview
- 7.4.1.3. Financial Highlights
- 7.4.1.4. Geographic Insights
- 7.4.1.5. Business Segment & Performance
- 7.4.1.6. Product Portfolio
- 7.4.1.7. Key Executives
- 7.4.1.8. Strategic Moves & Developments
- 7.4.2. Koppers Holdings Inc.
- 7.4.3. Skipper Limited
- 7.4.4. Hill & Smith Holdings Plc
- 7.4.5. KEC International Ltd.
- 7.4.6. El Sewedy Electric Company
- 7.4.7. DAJI Towers
- 7.4.8. Europoles GmbH
- 8. Strategic Recommendations
- 9. Annexure
- 9.1. FAQ`s
- 9.2. Notes
- 10. Disclaimer
Table 2: Top 10 Counties Economic Snapshot 2024
Table 3: Economic Snapshot of Other Prominent Countries 2022
Table 4: Average Exchange Rates for Converting Foreign Currencies into U.S. Dollars
Table 5: Middle East & Africa Utility Poles Market Size and Forecast, By Application (2020 to 2031F) (In USD Billion)
Table 6: Middle East & Africa Utility Poles Market Size and Forecast, By Pole Size (2020 to 2031F) (In USD Billion)
Table 7: Middle East & Africa Utility Poles Market Size and Forecast, By Installation Type (2020 to 2031F) (In USD Billion)
Table 8: Middle East & Africa Utility Poles Market Size and Forecast, By Material (2020 to 2031F) (In USD Billion)
Table 9: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Utility Poles Market Size and Forecast By Application (2020 to 2031F) (In USD Billion)
Table 10: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Utility Poles Market Size and Forecast By Pole Size (2020 to 2031F) (In USD Billion)
Table 11: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Utility Poles Market Size and Forecast By Installation Type (2020 to 2031F) (In USD Billion)
Table 12: Saudi Arabia Utility Poles Market Size and Forecast By Application (2020 to 2031F) (In USD Billion)
Table 13: Saudi Arabia Utility Poles Market Size and Forecast By Pole Size (2020 to 2031F) (In USD Billion)
Table 14: Saudi Arabia Utility Poles Market Size and Forecast By Installation Type (2020 to 2031F) (In USD Billion)
Table 15: South Africa Utility Poles Market Size and Forecast By Application (2020 to 2031F) (In USD Billion)
Table 16: South Africa Utility Poles Market Size and Forecast By Pole Size (2020 to 2031F) (In USD Billion)
Table 17: South Africa Utility Poles Market Size and Forecast By Installation Type (2020 to 2031F) (In USD Billion)
Table 18: Competitive Dashboard of top 5 players, 2025
Figure 2: Middle East & Africa Utility Poles Market Share By Country (2025)
Figure 3: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Utility Poles Market Size By Value (2020, 2025 & 2031F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 4: Saudi Arabia Utility Poles Market Size By Value (2020, 2025 & 2031F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 5: South Africa Utility Poles Market Size By Value (2020, 2025 & 2031F) (in USD Billion)
Figure 6: Porter's Five Forces of Global Utility Poles Market
Utility Poles Market Research FAQs
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