Middle East & Africa Molecular Diagnostics Market by Offering (Reagents, Kits, Systems, Software) Test Type (Lab, PoC) Technology (PCR, ISH, INAAT, Sequencing, Microarray) Application (Influenza, HPV, Oncology, Gene Testing) End User - Forecast to 2031

The Middle East & Africa Molecular Diagnostics Market was valued at $0.77  billion in 2023. This market is expected to reach $1.16  billion by 2031, from an estimated $0.81  billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Middle East & Africa Molecular Diagnostics Market Size & Forecast

Molecular diagnostics help identify specific genetic material within human, viral, and bacterial genomes. These tests are becoming increasingly prevalent across various fields, including infectious diseases, oncology, and clinical genetics. As advancements in molecular diagnostics persist, they will further enhance the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosis, ultimately becoming integral components of personalized patient interventions and therapeutic approaches.

The growth of the Middle East & Africa molecular diagnostics market is driven by factors such as the rising prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, technological advancements in molecular diagnostics, increasing investments and funding aimed at enhancing healthcare systems in the Middle East & Africa, and the rising healthcare expenditure in the region. However, inconsistencies in medical device regulations across the Middle East & Africa and the high costs of molecular diagnostic tests restrain the market’s growth.

Emerging medical and wellness tourism in the UAE and a growing focus on companion diagnostics are expected to create market growth opportunities. However, the shortage of skilled professionals poses a significant challenge to the growth of this market.

Initiatives Aimed at Enhancing Healthcare Systems Driving Market’s Growth

The governments of Middle Eastern countries are taking initiatives to enhance and advance their healthcare infrastructure. For instance, Saudi Arabia has implemented a comprehensive set of reforms as part of its Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at improving various sectors including healthcare. Within the healthcare sector, the Saudi Vision 2030 outlines plans to increase the number of public hospitals, clinical laboratories, and upgraded facilities throughout the kingdom.

Additionally, major companies in the region are prioritizing partnerships and intensifying their expansion efforts in the Middle East & Africa. For instance

• In January 2022, GC Labs (South Korea) proposed a “smart lab” concept that provides an automated test system to improve the speed and efficiency of tests. The increased demand for genetics and infectious diseases tests in the region has made GC Labs plan further expansion in the Middle East.
• In December 2021, AstraZeneca Gulf FZ LLC (UAE) partnered with G42 Healthcare (UAE) to boost the research and diagnostics in molecular diagnostics technology in the UAE. In June 2021, G42 Healthcare also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Seegene, Inc. (South Korea) to offer fully equipped mobile diagnostics and testing laboratories across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The partnership was aimed at providing the Seegene Mobile Station, a laboratory-on-wheels facility to provide optimized molecular diagnosis and tests across MENA, including the UAE, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Yemen.

Funding and Investments to Improve Accessibility to Healthcare Services Driving Market’s Growth

Healthcare expenditure encompasses all financial investments necessary for healthcare systems to operate effectively and deliver high-quality care to patients. The increase in healthcare expenditure can facilitate regular health interventions, such as annual medical checkups and preventive screenings, which are likely to enhance the overall health status of a country. Despite the relatively low healthcare expenditure in the African region, various private and public organizations are actively investing in Africa to enhance basic healthcare infrastructure and combat diseases. For instance, in June 2022, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) announced a USD 140 million funding initiative over four years aimed at supporting new initiatives and research conducted by African institutions to combat malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Similarly, in June 2020, New Frontier Capital Management (NCFM), a Japanese-owned investment firm, invested USD 300 million in the development of hospitals, medical infrastructure, medical systems, health tech, and health promotion in the Middle East & Africa region. Such investments are expected to drive the growth of the molecular diagnostics market in the years to come.

The rising healthcare expenditure indicates a growing emphasis on promoting health and preventing diseases, ultimately leading to an increased adoption of advanced medical technologies. This trend is accompanied by increased funding and initiatives for disease diagnosis and treatment, as well as the establishment of healthcare facilities and advanced infrastructure. These factors are increasing accessibility to advanced diagnostic methods for early diagnosis and treatment.

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Key Findings of the Middle East & Africa Molecular Diagnostics Market Study:

The Reagents & Kits Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Market in 2024

Among the offerings studied in this report, in 2024, the reagents & kits segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market. Molecular diagnostic kits are widely used by healthcare professionals in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories to diagnose and manage various communicable & non-communicable diseases. Recurrent use of assays & kits in the detection of various diseases through molecular diagnostics, the proliferation of new products in the market, and technological advancements in molecular techniques contribute to the large market share of this segment. Partnerships, collaborations, and agreements among the players and other industry stakeholders are also positively impacting the market. In April 2023, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (U.S.) partnered with ALPCO Diagnostics (Czech Republic) to introduce 37 CE-IVD molecular assays to the market. One such assay is the TaqPath Menu| GeneProof PCR Kit, which can be used on a wide range of qPCR instruments. This kit facilitates the detection of various genetic diseases and pathogens, including STDs, respiratory infections, and bloodborne infections. These assays enable laboratories to conduct tests more rapidly and reduce the need for frequent instrument changes, enhancing efficiency. The tests are slated to be launched in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Asia, and select parts of Europe throughout 2024.

The Laboratory Tests Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Market in 2024

Among the test types studied in this report, in 2024, the laboratory tests segment is expected to account for the largest share of the market. Laboratory tests have traditionally been conducted in hospitals and diagnostic centers. The laboratory testing approach for molecular diagnostics offers numerous advantages over other methods. It is characterized by higher accuracy and reliability compared to point-of-care testing, which contributes to its greater adoption in laboratory settings compared to PoC tests.

The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Market in 2024

Among the technologies studied in this report, in 2024, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) segment is expected to account for the largest share of the molecular diagnostics market in the Middle East & Africa. PCR enables the rapid amplification of a specific segment of DNA, making it a crucial technology that aids in disease diagnosis. Due to its effectiveness in detecting low-number targets and its cost-effectiveness compared to other technologies like sequencing, there is significant demand for PCR tests, further bolstering the segment's largest share. For instance, in February 2023, Dubai, UAE, hosted the "Medlab Middle East 2023" exhibition and conference, a 4-day event showcasing the latest products and technologies in laboratory management and diagnostics, including PCR. Such exhibitions and conferences play a crucial role in increasing awareness of advanced technologies and instrumentation.

The Infectious Disease Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Market in 2024

Based on application, in 2024, the infectious disease segment is expected to account for the largest share of the molecular diagnostics market in the Middle East & Africa. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to the growing incidence of infectious diseases and increased funding for infectious disease diagnostic research activities. The availability of funding specifically allocated for infectious disease research contributes to the growth of this segment. For instance, in April 2021, the Jameel Fund for Infectious Disease Research and Innovation announced a research fund aimed at supporting collaborative research between King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Saudi Arabia and Imperial College London in the U.K. Under this initiative, grants totaling USD 500,000 were provided, equally distributed between both universities to support research projects spanning three to six months in duration.

The Hospitals & Clinics Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Market in 2024

Based on end user, in 2024, the hospitals & clinics segment is expected to account for the largest share of the molecular diagnostics market in the Middle East & Africa. The large market share of this segment can be attributed to various initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the Middle East & Africa, increased hospitalizations due to various diseases, the growing geriatric population, and the high incidence of infectious diseases. For instance, in January 2023, the Sub-Saharan African region announced plans to invest nearly USD 11 billion in developing new hospitals to bolster the healthcare infrastructure of the region.

Saudi Arabia: Largest Market in the Middle East & Africa

Saudi Arabia's significant market share can be attributed to factors such as the robust healthcare infrastructure in the country, the increasing prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases, and the rising spending on healthcare. According to the International Trade Administration (ITA), under the Vision 2030 initiative, the Saudi Arabian government plans to invest over USD 65 million in the development of healthcare infrastructure and to reorganize and privatize health services. In 2023, Saudi Arabia allocated nearly USD 50.4 billion for healthcare and social development, representing approximately 16.96% of the total budget for that year. This high healthcare spending underscores the country's strong focus on healthcare-related activities and services, including government procurements of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and supplies for the benefit of all public healthcare facilities.

Middle East & Africa Molecular Diagnostics Market: Competitive Analysis

The key players profiled in the Middle East & Africa molecular diagnostics market report are AstraGene LLC (U.A.E.), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.), Becton, Dickinson and Company (U.S.), Illumina, Inc. (U.S.), AstraZeneca Gulf FZ LLC (Dubai), QIAGEN N.V. (Netherlands), Danaher Corporation (U.S.), Abbott Laboratories (U.S), and Agilent Technologies, Inc. (U.S.).

The report includes a competitive landscape based on an extensive assessment of the market based on offering, test type, application, technology, and end user. The report also provides insights into the presence of major market players and the key growth strategies adopted by them over the past three to four years.

Middle East & Africa Molecular Diagnostics Market Report Summary:

Key questions answered in the report: