Middle East And Africa Electric Vehicle Battery Separator Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

Middle East And Africa Electric Vehicle Battery Separator Market Trends and Insights

Lithium-ion Battery Segment to Witness Fastest Growth

• The electric vehicle (EV) battery separator market in the Middle East & Africa is poised for notable growth, spearheaded by the lithium-ion battery (LIB) segment. The rising popularity of lithium-ion batteries can be attributed to their superior capacity-to-weight ratio, enhanced performance, extended shelf life, and a consistent trend of decreasing prices.
• When compared to lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries present significant technical advantages. They boast a lifespan averaging over 5,000 cycles, a stark contrast to the 400-500 cycles typical of lead-acid batteries. Furthermore, Li-ion batteries demand less frequent maintenance and replacements, and they maintain a consistent voltage throughout their discharge cycle—an essential feature for the efficient operation of electrical components.
• Key industry players are channeling substantial investments into R&D and operational expansions to further enhance performance. This surge in competition, combined with technological advancements and declining raw material costs, has driven a notable decrease in the volume-weighted average price of lithium-ion batteries. From USD 780/kWh in 2013, the price plummeted to USD 139/kWh in 2023. Projections suggest a further dip to around USD 113/kWh by 2025 and an ambitious USD 80/kWh by 2030. Such cost reductions bolster the appeal of lithium-ion batteries in the EV market, subsequently fueling the demand for EV battery separators.
• Historically linked to consumer electronics, lithium-ion batteries have seen a significant shift in application towards electric vehicles. While the Middle East and Africa are still in the nascent stages of developing their lithium-ion battery manufacturing capabilities—trailing behind global frontrunners like China, the United States, and Europe—nations like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are making hefty investments in this domain. These strategic investments not only aim to diversify their economies but also seek to cater to the surging demand for electric vehicles, paving the way for a thriving market for battery materials, including EV battery separators.
• For instance, in a landmark move, Titan Lithium has teamed up with the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) Group to set up a cutting-edge lithium processing facility in Abu Dhabi. This AED 5 billion venture will see the establishment of a sprawling 290,000 square meter plant in KEZAD Al Mamourah, dedicated to producing vital battery-grade lithium carbonate and hydroxide for the EV sector. Such initiatives are poised to bolster the EV battery supply chain in the region, presenting lucrative opportunities for battery components like separators.
• Saudi Arabia is making strides in the global rechargeable battery arena. In June 2023, Obeikan Investment Group joined forces with Australian startup European Lithium to set up a lithium hydroxide refinery in the kingdom. Furthermore, Ma'aden, the state mining giant, has collaborated with US's Ivanhoe Electric to scout vast, under-explored territories in the Arabian Shield for lithium and other rare metals. These strategic moves are set to amplify the demand for EV battery separators as the region's Li-ion battery supply chain and manufacturing capabilities expand.
• Demonstrating its commitment, Saudi Arabia, in September 2023, saw Energy Capital Group, a local investment firm, partner with US tech startup Pure Lithium. Their joint venture focuses on developing batteries from lithium sourced from oilfield brines, backed by an initial USD 50 million investment. This initiative aims to cater to the surging demand for lithium-ion battery metals, further energizing the EV battery separator market. Moreover, the region's dedication to building a sustainable lithium-ion battery supply chain is underscored by its membership in the Global Battery Alliance, signaling a robust growth trajectory for EV battery separators.
• In a bid to fortify Africa's lithium-ion battery supply chains, METALS refining and recycling firm ReElement Technologies inked an MoU with Afrivolt in February 2024. This partnership seeks to craft a closed-loop lithium battery and electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem in Africa, emphasizing locally sourced critical minerals refined by ReElement Technologies Africa and its subsidiaries. Such an ecosystem is poised to bolster the growth of lithium-ion battery components, including separators, in the foreseeable future.
• Afrivolt, previously known as Aqora, is spearheading the establishment of a lithium-ion cell gigafactory within this ecosystem. The MoU with ReElement Technologies is anticipated to transition into a robust offtake agreement, ensuring sustained support for the operations of African gigafactories. These initiatives, coupled with efforts to nurture a local talent pool, are set to propel the lithium-ion battery industry in the region.
• Given these dynamic developments, the lithium-ion battery segment is on track to emerge as the dominant player in the Middle East and Africa's EV battery manufacturing landscape, heralding a thriving market for EV battery separators in the years to come.