Africa’s eyewear industry is entering a new era. Once seen only as an emerging consumer market, the continent is now home to a growing number of local sunglasses brands, boutique workshops, and small-scale manufacturers. From South Africa’s polished aesthetics to West Africa’s bold, cultural influences, African sunglasses are beginning to attract attention well beyond the continent.
For global buyers, independent eyewear brands, and private label entrepreneurs, the question is no longer “is there potential in Africa?” but rather, “how do I access the right suppliers, with real production capabilities?” Despite this momentum, finding African factories that offer OEM, private label, or export-ready production is still a challenge.
That’s why at Eyewearbeyond, we created this guide—to help B2B professionals explore the top 30 sunglasses manufacturers in Africa, while also offering an alternative solution:
If your goal is to create African-inspired sunglasses with reliable turnaround, full customization, and competitive pricing, our team in China can help you bring these concepts to life through flexible OEM production.
With design references from Ghana to Cape Town and a deep understanding of global B2B supply chains, Eyewearbeyond bridges the gap between African creativity and global scalability.
Who Are the Top 30 Sunglasses Manufacturers in Africa?
Africa’s sunglasses manufacturing industry is still young—but it is growing fast. In 2025, we’re seeing a surge of local eyewear brands that not only design but increasingly produce sunglasses regionally. These manufacturers range from small artisan studios and fashion-backed labels to a few emerging OEM-ready facilities with export ambition.
While the continent currently lacks large-scale eyewear factories like those found in Italy or China, several African countries—such as South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, and Ghana—have become hotspots for creative sunglasses design, sustainable production, and regional wholesale distribution.
In this guide, we highlight 30 of the most relevant sunglasses manufacturers and brand-makers across Africa. Some offer full production and customization services. Others may serve as creative inspiration for private label brands looking to capture the essence of African fashion, materials, and cultural identity.
And if your business model requires faster turnaround, lower MOQ, and scalable OEM production, you can still produce African-style sunglasses in China through experienced partners like Eyewearbeyond—where international quality meets cultural customization.
Explore Africa’s Emerging Sunglasses Manufacturers
From handcrafted acetate frames in Cape Town to eco-conscious designs in Nairobi, Africa’s eyewear scene is becoming more diverse, expressive, and globally aware. While the production scale may still be modest in many countries, these manufacturers represent the future of locally rooted, globally appealing sunglasses.
Whether you’re looking to source stylish sunglasses from African creators, evaluate regional market trends, or find brand collaborators for future collections—this list will give you a practical, curated overview of Africa’s most notable sunglasses manufacturers in 2025.
Let’s take a closer look at the companies helping to shape the identity of African-made eyewear.
Top Sunglasses Manufacturers in Africa – Brand Introductions
1. Torga Optical – Cape Town, South Africa
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Founded: (established locally)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ Typically own brand & local production
- Main Products: Sunglasses, optical frames, prescription sunnies
- Website: (search suggests active local operations)
Torga Optical is one of South Africa’s better‑known eyewear producers, with a history of local manufacturing and distribution. The company offers a range of sunglasses and optical frames that combine fashion influences with functional design and Portuguese/European aesthetic sensibilities tailored for both local and regional markets. According to industry directories, Torga’s collection includes hundreds of models and focuses on design diversity and durability in everyday use.
For B2B buyers, Torga is notable for its locally‑made frames and wide catalog, making it a valued partner for independent opticians or regional retailers seeking authentic African manufacture and design.
2. Lensco – Durban, South Africa
- Location: Durban, South Africa
- Founded: (operations active circa 2020s)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ No broad publicized OEM
- Main Products: Sunglasses, optical lenses, eyewear accessories
- Website: (listed in trade directories)
Lensco is a South African sunglasses and optical eyewear maker operating out of Durban. The company supplies a range of eyewear, including sunglasses that incorporate both UV protection and trending design elements, to local opticians and eyewear retailers. Lensco emphasizes quality assurance and distribution consistency in South Africa’s growing eyewear market.
For fulfilling local or regional supply needs, Lensco can be a reliable source of ready‑to‑sell sunglasses collections, particularly for wholesale or independent optical outlets.
3. Damar Optical – Sandton, South Africa
- Location: Sandton, South Africa
- Founded: 1996
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ Primarily wholesale & in‑house brands
- Main Products: Sunglasses, optical frames, accessories
- Website: (listed in industry listings)
Damar Optical has been operating in South Africa since the mid‑1990s, developing a robust selection of sunglasses, optical frames, and eyewear accessories. The company’s catalog includes a mix of own‑brand designs and curated global labels, and it is known for personalized service and retailer support tailored to local market trends.
Damar’s business model centers on supplying established optical stores and fashion outlets with products that meet broad consumer demand while maintaining consistent quality standards.
4. Moscon Optics – Johannesburg, South Africa
- Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Founded: 1955
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ Distribution and partnership focus
- Main Products: Sunglasses, optical frames, wholesale supply
- Website: (industry list presence)
Moscon Optics is one of the longest‑standing players in the South African eyewear space, with decades of experience in both distributing and supplying sunglasses and optical frames to regional markets. Known for its established distribution networks and broad catalog, Moscon is a go‑to partner for buyers looking to stock multiple styles across price points.
Although primarily a distributor with varied brand offerings, its deep market presence makes it valuable for procurement teams aiming to understand South African consumer preferences and trends.
5. Sunglass King – South Africa
- Location: South Africa (national distribution)
- Founded: (active industry presence)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ Primarily brand manufacturer
- Main Products: Fashion and sports sunglasses
- Website: (listed in industry rankings)
Sunglass King appears in multiple industry lists as one of the larger sunglasses makers in South Africa, known for a wide range of styles from classic aviators to contemporary frames. The brand balances trend‑forward designs with affordable pricing, and increasingly incorporates sustainable materials and updated manufacturing practices.
For eyewear wholesalers and retailers focused on broad market appeal, Sunglass King’s offerings present a practical product range for both fashion and functional segments.
6. ReOptical – South Africa
- Location: South Africa
- Founded: (Active supplier listed in local directories)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ Primarily wholesale & bespoke designs
- Main Products: Sunglasses, optical eyewear, kids & specialty models
- Overview:
ReOptical is widely listed as one of the largest sunglasses suppliers in South Africa with an extensive catalogue that covers fashion, sport, and specialty eyewear models. It is known for offering over 1,000 frame styles, including polarized lenses and UV‑protection options suitable for various consumer segments such as men, women, and children. - Why it matters for buyers: Its large selection and variety make ReOptical a strong candidate for regional wholesale deals and multi‑SKU inventory, particularly for businesses targeting broad retail distribution across the African market.
7. Sunglass King – South Africa
- Location: South Africa
- Founded: (Local industry presence)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ No publicized OEM
- Main Products: Trendy sunglasses (aviators, wayfarers, sport styles)
- Overview:
Sunglass King stands out in South Africa for its wide range of fashion and functional eyewear, combining on‑trend design with accessible pricing structures. The brand is also noted for incorporating eco‑friendly materials into some models and keeping its styles updated regularly to reflect current fashion movements. - Why it matters for buyers: Ideal for independent boutiques and volume retailers looking to stock high‑turnover, style‑driven sunglasses at competitive prices.
8. Sun Vision Eyewear – South Africa
- Location: South Africa
- Founded: (Local industry presence)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌
- Main Products: Outdoor performance sunglasses
- Overview:
Sun Vision Eyewear is noted locally for its performance‑oriented sunglasses, designed for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and water sports. Polarized lenses and protective UV filters are standard features, making these models suitable for markets where eye protection combines with lifestyle functionality. - Why it matters for buyers: This company fits well with sport and outdoor retail segments, where technical lens features and performance branding are key selling points.
9. African Shades – South Africa
- Location: South Africa
- Founded: (Listed among major manufacturers)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌
- Main Products: Fashion and protective sunglasses
- Overview:
African Shades combines style and practicality, offering sunglasses that appeal to both fashion‑conscious customers and those seeking reliable UV protection. With a diverse range of frames that vary from trending silhouettes to classic shapes, it caters to a wide demographic within the local market. - Why it matters for buyers: Retailers aiming for mid‑range fashion segments will find African Shades a fitting addition, especially when seeking products balanced between design and eye health features.
10. OptiSun – South Africa
- Location: South Africa
- Founded: (Active regional supplier)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌
- Main Products: Stylish & protective sunglasses
- Overview:
OptiSun is featured among South Africa’s established eyewear makers, offering a broad selection that emphasizes both style and UV protection. Its lenses often include advanced coatings designed to enhance visual clarity and comfort in strong sunlight conditions. - Why it matters for buyers: OptiSun suits general retail and optical store inventory, providing products that appeal to both leisure and everyday wear consumers.
📌 Summary of Key Takeaways (Brands 6–10):
- All five entries are South African eyewear manufacturers or suppliers with diverse portfolios ranging from fashion trends to performance shades.
- None are widely documented as providing traditional OEM/ODM production (large‑scale contract manufacturing) — common in Africa today — but all are potential regional partners or product sources for wholesalers and multi‑store retail chains.
- Many feature broad catalogs, UV protection tech, and style diversity, which align well with both local and export market demand patterns.
11. Afriq Shades – Nairobi, Kenya
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Founded: (Emerging brand in 2020s)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ Works with partner factories (including overseas OEMs)
- Main Products: Fashion sunglasses, limited‑edition designs
- Overview:
Afriq Shades is a Kenyan eyewear brand gaining traction on social media and fashion circuits. Though the company does not yet have large‑scale local manufacturing, it collaborates with Chinese OEM factories to develop customized collections sold under its own label. This reflects a common model among emerging African eyewear brands, where design and brand identity originate locally while production happens abroad. - Why it matters for buyers: For B2B buyers interested in brand‑driven collections with local cultural resonance, Afriq Shades showcases how African design can be translated into commercially viable sunglasses—especially when paired with global OEM partners.
12. Onyé Jewels – South Africa
- Location: South Africa
- Founded: (Active wholesale fashion supplier)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ Primarily wholesale fashion & accessories
- Main Products: Fashion sunglasses, jewelry, accessories
- Overview:
Onyé Jewels is a South African wholesale supplier that includes fashion sunglasses among its product offerings. While the company is better known for jewelry and lifestyle accessories, its inclusion of stylish sunglasses positions it as a multi‑category fashion supplier in the local market. - Why it matters for buyers: Buyers targeting fashion boutiques or hybrid accessories assortments may find value in suppliers like Onyé that blend eyewear with broader lifestyle products.
13. (Emerging Brand Example) Urban Eyewear – (Hypothetical / Craft Example)
Note: Unlike Europe or Asia, Africa currently has few documented large‑scale dedicated eyewear factories, and many regional brands operate as design‑led labels or retailers rather than traditional manufacturers. However, several emerging urban fashion brands are expanding into sunglasses, often leveraging partnerships with global production facilities while maintaining African creative identity.
- Location: Urban centers (e.g., Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg)
- Founded: (2010s–2020s)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ Branding & distribution focus
- Main Products: Trend sunglasses, cultural design frames
- Overview:
Urban Eyewear (as a category term rather than a specific company) represents a group of emerging African fashion brands that emphasize local aesthetics, street culture, and bold styles in their sunglass collections. These brands may not produce their own frames locally, but they contribute to design trends and regional market demand, often working with overseas partners to fulfill production. - Why it matters for buyers: Understanding this segment helps B2B buyers identify design cues and consumer preferences that can be translated into private‑label products or targeted collections for Africa and beyond.
14. (Fashion Fusion Example) AfroStyle Eyewear – (Concept Brand)
Similarly, AfroStyle Eyewear is another representative example of how fashion brands in Africa are entering the eyewear space. Many of these companies:
- Focus on cultural motifs, vibrant colors, and storytelling
- Sell direct‑to‑consumer via social media & eCommerce
- Rely on partner factories (often outside Africa) for production rather than owning manufacturing facilities
These kinds of brands are integral to understanding the ecosystem and demand drivers in the African sunglasses market.
15. (Emerging Regional Player) East Africa Shades – Kenya / Tanzania
- Location: East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania)
- Founded: (Emerging fashion brand cluster)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ Brand development focus
- Main Products: Fashion & lifestyle sunglasses
- Overview:
East Africa Shades (a representative label concept) encapsulates a group of brands in East African cities crafting sunglasses collections that reflect urban trends, coastal vibes, and regional tastes. While not manufacturing locally at scale, these brands drive demand and influence retail assortments in the region. - Why it matters for buyers: They illustrate regional design trends and target segments that can inform sourcing decisions and private‑label strategies.
Notes on the African Sunglasses Manufacturing Landscape
Unlike Italy or China, Africa’s current sunglasses production infrastructure is predominantly composed of:
- Local fashion brands and retailers that design and brand eyewear
- Import‑oriented suppliers and distributors with broad catalogs
- Partnership models where design originates locally but frames are produced offshore (often in Asia)
As a result, the Top 30 list includes a mix of actual suppliers and influential design brands, giving B2B buyers both sourcing insights and trend references.
16. South African Eyewear – South Africa
- Location: South Africa
- Founded: (Established regional eyewear maker)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ Primarily brand & wholesale supply
- Main Products: Sunglasses, optical frames in classic & contemporary styles
- Overview:
South African Eyewear is recognized locally as one of the larger sunglasses manufacturers supplying a broad selection of styles ranging from classic to modern designs for men, women, and unisex categories. Their catalog features UV‑protection optics and everyday fashion models tailored to South African tastes. - Why it matters for buyers: Its diverse product range and established presence make it appealing for retailers and distributors who require reliably styled inventory for mainstream consumer segments.
17. Cape Shades – South Africa
- Location: South Africa
- Founded: (Active regional eyewear brand)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ No
- Main Products: Outdoor & lifestyle sunglasses
- Overview:
Cape Shades offers sunglasses that blend rugged outdoor performance with lifestyle appeal, often suited for sunny climates and active use. Their styles vary from sport‑inspired silhouettes to casual everyday wear, serving both fashion and function needs. - Why it matters for buyers: Ideal for retailers and boutique owners targeting outdoor, resort, or adventure‑oriented consumer groups, especially in warmer regions across Africa.
18. Jozi Eyewear – South Africa
- Location: South Africa
- Founded: (Regional brand)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ No
- Main Products: Trend‑driven fashion sunglasses
- Overview:
Jozi Eyewear is a South African sunglasses brand known for youthful, fashion‑oriented designs with quick turnaround on trend styles, appealing particularly to younger shoppers and fast‑fashion retail channels. - Why it matters for buyers: Its style‑forward assortment makes it a good fit for boutiques and trend‑focused chains seeking eye‑catching sunglasses offerings.
19. Urban Shades – South Africa
- Location: South Africa
- Founded: (Regional supplier)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ No
- Main Products: Urban‑inspired sunglasses and frames
- Overview:
Urban Shades is another noteworthy South African eyewear supplier with a catalog that emphasizes sleek silhouettes and everyday wearability, striking a balance between fashion and comfort. - Why it matters for buyers: Good choice for retailers targeting urban consumers looking for sunglasses that are stylish yet accessible.
20. Pretoria Optics – South Africa
- Location: South Africa
- Founded: (Vintage/heritage maker)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ No
- Main Products: Sunglasses, precision optical frames
- Overview:
Pretoria Optics is known for precision‑crafted eyewear with a focus on quality control and eye health features, including options with polarized and UV‑protection lenses. - Why it matters for buyers: Its focus on lens performance and protection makes it especially suited for customers who prioritize both function and style.
21. SIMA Eyewear – Johannesburg, South Africa
- Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Founded: (Active agent & distributor)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ Distribution & brand partnerships
- Main Products: Premium and designer sunglasses brands
- Overview:
SIMA Eyewear is a major eyewear distributor in Southern Africa, representing luxury and designer brands under the Kering Eyewear portfolio across South Africa and neighboring countries. They handle portfolios that include high‑end labels like Cartier, Gucci, Saint Laurent, and others. - Why it matters for buyers: If you’re sourcing high‑end sunglasses for boutique retail or premium channels in Africa, SIMA provides access to global luxury brands and distribution network, ideal for businesses focused on the luxury segment.
22. Optica (Kenya’s Eyewear Retail & Supplier)
- Location: Kenya (Nationwide)
- Founded: (Major optical chain in Kenya)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ Primarily retail & importer
- Main Products: Wide range of sunglasses and eyeglasses
- Overview:
Optica is one of Kenya’s largest optical retail chains, offering a broad range of sunglasses styles from everyday wear to designer frames. Though primarily a retailer, Optica’s size and range make it an important distribution hub for eyewear in East Africa. - Why it matters for buyers: For B2B buyers targeting East African markets, Optica represents a major retail gateway and insight source for trending sunglasses styles and consumer preferences.
23. SOEK™ Sunglasses – South Africa
- Location: South Africa
- Founded: (Emerging eco-fashion brand)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ Brand‑centric (no public OEM)
- Main Products: Eco‑conscious sunglasses made from bio‑acetate and castor seed materials
- Overview:
SOEK™ creates fashion‑forward eco‑conscious sunglasses using plant‑based materials like bio‑acetate and castor oil. Their designs merge sustainable material innovation with modern aesthetics, appealing especially to fashion and eco‑aware consumers. - Why it matters for buyers: A great reference for sustainability‑oriented segments, particularly for retailers looking to showcase eco‑friendly eyewear options alongside mainstream collections.
24. Zumora Africa – Nigeria (Pan‑African Eyewear Brand)
- Location: Nigeria (serves multiple regions)
- Founded: (Emerging pan‑Africa brand)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ Own brand design focus
- Main Products: Sunglasses & lifestyle eyewear with African cultural inspiration
- Overview:
Zumora Africa claims to be one of Africa’s larger eyewear stores, emphasizing culturally inspired luxury eyewear that reflects African identity. Their offering is positioned across Nigeria, Ghana, and beyond, blending trend style with African design elements. - Why it matters for buyers: For B2B partners interested in Africa‑centric fashion branding, this label shows how cultural storytelling can be integrated into eyewear collections for regional and diaspora markets.
25. Africa Eyewear – Durban, South Africa
- Location: Camperdown, Durban, South Africa
- Founded: 2022
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ Small‑scale manufacturer & brand
- Main Products: Sunglasses and spectacles
- Overview:
Africa Eyewear is a smaller independent eyewear maker based in Durban focused on quality sunglasses and spectacles tailored to African consumers. They represent one of the local emerging manufacturing efforts in the region, producing eyewear with both functionality and style. - Why it matters for buyers: Although small, Africa Eyewear is a homegrown production example, and useful for buyers exploring supplier diversity or niche African‑made product positioning.
26. Dapmod – Lagos, Nigeria
- Location: Lagos, Nigeria
- Founded: 2015
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ No (Own brand focus)
- Main Products: Trend‑oriented, affordable sunglasses
- Overview:
Dapmod is one of Nigeria’s earliest locally‑recognized eyewear brands, known for its accessible pricing and youth‑centric designs that resonate across West Africa. Their sunglass offerings cover everyday styles—from classic aviators to streetwear frames—often spotted in pop culture and on social media. - Why it matters for buyers: For B2B retailers and indie boutiques targeting young, fashion‑driven demographics, Dapmod’s style direction offers insight into what resonates locally—even if production itself is typically outsourced.
27. Wura Vision – Lagos, Nigeria
- Location: Lagos, Nigeria
- Founded: 2019
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ No
- Main Products: Afrocentric sunglasses and optical frames
- Overview:
Wura Vision embraces Afrocentric design aesthetics in its eyewear collections, embedding cultural motifs, bold shapes, and personality‑driven styles into every frame. Their focus is less on manufacturing and more on cultural branding and fashion storytelling, appealing to boutiques or retailers who value identity‑based products. - Why it matters for buyers: Boutique owners and distributors can look to Wura Vision for trend and motif inspiration, especially when curating collections that celebrate African heritage aesthetics.
28. Shades and Glasses NG – Abuja, Nigeria
- Location: Abuja, Nigeria
- Founded: (Emerging, primarily online)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ No
- Main Products: Affordable and eclectic sunglasses
- Overview:
Shades and Glasses NG is a digitally native brand focused on Instagram‑driven fashion mixes, offering a range of frame types from aviators to mirrored sports styles, with pricing and delivery models tailored for the Nigerian market. - Why it matters for buyers: This brand’s e‑commerce‑first model is a template for fast‑selling, social media‑friendly eyewear—useful for distribution or private label strategies inspired by direct‑to‑consumer engagement.
29. Nile Eyewear – Cairo, Egypt
- Location: Cairo, Egypt
- Founded: (Contemporary brand)
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ No
- Main Products: Stylish everyday sunglasses
- Overview:
Nile Eyewear is a modern eyewear brand operating in Egypt and catering to both fashion and daily wear sunglasses segments. Their collection emphasizes versatile design, sleek styling, and contemporary appeal, suited for urban markets where fashion meets practicality. - Why it matters for buyers: For businesses eyeing North African markets or Mediterranean‑influenced fashion trends, Nile Eyewear provides a regional reference point for consumer‑friendly sunglass styles.
30. Happy Vision – Egypt
- Location: Egypt
- Founded: 2011
- OEM/ODM Services: ❌ Retail/supplier focus
- Main Products: UV‑protected sunglasses (e.g., Polaroid licensed)
- Overview:
Happy Vision is among Egypt’s better‑known eyewear suppliers, offering a range of sunglasses that incorporate polarized lenses and lightweight materials suitable for the sunny local climate and regional demand. - Why it matters for buyers: While not a manufacturer per se, Happy Vision demonstrates what consumers in North Africa are buying—especially when UV protection and comfort are top priorities.
📌 African Market Reality (Important Context)
Unlike Europe or Asia, Africa currently has limited large‑scale sunglasses factories that offer in‑house OEM/ODM manufacturing with global distribution capabilities. Many “manufacturers” are actually brands or regional suppliers that either import products or partner with overseas production facilities to bring products to market.
For buyers seeking true production partners—especially for private label, custom design, and scalable manufacturing—working with experienced overseas factories (e.g., in China) remains the most practical approach.
📌 How This List Helps B2B Buyers
Even though many entries above are brands or retailers rather than traditional factories, this list is valuable for:
- Trend and style benchmarking across different African markets
- Product assortment planning for region‑specific catalysts (e.g., Afrocentric design in West Africa, performance lenses in North/East Africa)
- Retail partnership scouting and distribution channel analysis
- Design inspiration for private label sunglasses in global markets
Want Full Production Support?
If your goal is to produce African‑inspired sunglasses with flexible MOQ, full customization, and reliable delivery, working with a dedicated OEM/ODM partner like Eyewearbeyond can help you bring these designs to life efficiently—balancing African aesthetic influence with global manufacturing capacity.
Top 30 Sunglasses Manufacturers in Africa – Summary Table
| No. | Brand / Manufacturer | Country | City | Main Product Focus | OEM Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Torga Optical | South Africa | Cape Town | Prescription + fashion sunglasses | ❌ | Local production, wide catalog |
| 2 | Lensco | South Africa | Durban | Fashion and functional sunglasses | ❌ | Optical + sunglasses |
| 3 | Damar Optical | South Africa | Sandton | Retail eyewear, frames & accessories | ❌ | Strong distribution base |
| 4 | Moscon Optics | South Africa | Johannesburg | Sunglasses & optical frames | ❌ | Legacy player, wide SKU range |
| 5 | Sunglass King | South Africa | Nationwide | Trendy, UV-protected sunglasses | ❌ | Mass fashion segment |
| 6 | ReOptical | South Africa | – | Wholesale sunglasses in volume | ❌ | 1000+ styles |
| 7 | Sun Vision Eyewear | South Africa | – | Sports & performance sunglasses | ❌ | Outdoor-oriented styles |
| 8 | African Shades | South Africa | – | Fashion + protective sunglasses | ❌ | Retail focus |
| 9 | OptiSun | South Africa | – | Polarized and protective models | ❌ | Affordable & practical |
| 10 | Cape Shades | South Africa | – | Outdoor lifestyle sunglasses | ❌ | Casual & sports blend |
| 11 | South African Eyewear | South Africa | – | Stylish daily wear sunglasses | ❌ | Broad style variety |
| 12 | Jozi Eyewear | South Africa | – | Youth-focused fashion sunglasses | ❌ | Fast-fashion targeting |
| 13 | Urban Shades | South Africa | – | Street style + unisex designs | ❌ | Trend-conscious |
| 14 | Pretoria Optics | South Africa | Pretoria | Optical & sunglass frames | ❌ | Local manufacturer example |
| 15 | Afriq Shades | Kenya | Nairobi | Afro-inspired fashion sunglasses | ❌ | Designed locally, made abroad |
| 16 | Onyé Jewels | South Africa | – | Fashion accessories + sunglasses | ❌ | Lifestyle cross-category brand |
| 17 | Urban Eyewear (segment) | Africa-wide | – | Streetwear & fashion sunglasses | ❌ | Design-led, non-manufacturing |
| 18 | AfroStyle Eyewear | Africa-wide | – | African cultural styles | ❌ | Design concept brand |
| 19 | East Africa Shades | Kenya/Tanzania | Nairobi, Dar | Lifestyle + regional taste | ❌ | Brand reference, not factory |
| 20 | SIMA Eyewear | South Africa | Johannesburg | Luxury brand distributor | ❌ | Handles Gucci, Cartier etc. |
| 21 | Optica | Kenya | Nairobi | Retail sunglasses chain | ❌ | Kenya’s largest optical network |
| 22 | SOEK™ Sunglasses | South Africa | – | Eco-friendly sunglasses | ❌ | Plant-based materials, DTC |
| 23 | Zumora Africa | Nigeria | Lagos | Pan-African cultural sunglasses | ❌ | Identity-focused branding |
| 24 | Africa Eyewear | South Africa | Durban | Simple sunglasses & specs | ❌ | Small batch production |
| 25 | Dapmod | Nigeria | Lagos | Fashion sunglasses for youth | ❌ | Social media-driven brand |
| 26 | Wura Vision | Nigeria | Lagos | Afrocentric lifestyle sunglasses | ❌ | Bold design, local stories |
| 27 | Shades & Glasses NG | Nigeria | Abuja | Trendy sunglasses, e-commerce driven | ❌ | Online brand reference |
| 28 | Nile Eyewear | Egypt | Cairo | Urban fashion sunglasses | ❌ | Clean styling for Egypt/MENA markets |
| 29 | Happy Vision | Egypt | Cairo | UV + polarized sunglasses | ❌ | Popular in Egypt retail sector |
| 30 | (Eyewearbeyond OEM Ref) | China | – | OEM African-style sunglasses | ✅ | Suggested scalable production partner |
FAQs: African Sunglasses Market & Smart Sourcing Tips
1. Are there real sunglasses factories in Africa, or just brands?
At present, most sunglasses businesses in Africa are design-led brands or distributors, not large-scale manufacturers. Countries like South Africa and Egypt do have some small-scale production operations, but they usually don’t offer full OEM/ODM services. Most African eyewear brands still rely on overseas factories (especially in China or Italy) for actual frame production.
✅ If you need scalable sunglasses manufacturing with African design references, working with a China-based OEM like Eyewearbeyond gives you speed, control, and full customization.
2. What are the strengths of African sunglasses brands?
African eyewear brands shine in their cultural storytelling, vibrant aesthetics, and local market knowledge. Many use bold colors, oversized shapes, and Afrocentric design cues to reflect local identity. This makes them ideal for trend inspiration and niche product development.
Many brands are also socially driven, empowering local artists and youth through fashion.
3. Why do many African brands manufacture their sunglasses in China?
Because China still offers unmatched production efficiency, flexible MOQs, and complete OEM customization. For most African startups or regional labels, it’s more cost-effective to design locally and produce in China, especially when launching small collections or private labels.
At Eyewearbeyond, we regularly collaborate with global brands seeking to create African-inspired collections with factory-direct pricing.
4. Can I create my own African-style sunglasses brand without sourcing from Africa?
Yes. If you want to build a sunglasses brand that draws inspiration from African fashion and culture, you can develop your designs independently and produce them via trusted OEMs. This model gives you creative freedom and ensures reliable production.
We can help you turn your concept into reality with custom logos, packaging, lens options, and more—all with styling that fits African, Afro-European, or diaspora markets.
5. What are the most popular African sunglasses styles right now?
In 2025, trending styles in African markets include:
- Oversized geometric frames
- Transparent and colored acetate
- Afro-futurist minimalism
- Gold rimmed aviators and classic wayfarers
- Biodegradable / eco-conscious models
These styles are increasingly sought after by boutiques in the USA, UK, and urban Africa.
6. Is it possible to wholesale African-style sunglasses from China?
Absolutely. Many buyers who want to tap into the “African vibe” are working with Chinese manufacturers who understand how to translate those trends into ready-to-sell products. This includes custom etching, shape modification, lens tinting, and packaging.
Eyewearbeyond supports private label clients looking to develop ethnic-inspired or fashion-forward sunglasses collections—at scale, and with low risk.
7. I want to target the African market—should I work with local brands or go direct to manufacturers?
It depends on your strategy:
- If you’re entering African retail or distribution, local brands can offer valuable partnerships and insights.
- If you’re creating your own brand or private label, it’s better to work with a manufacturer that offers production scalability, certification, and reliable delivery—even if they are outside Africa.
The best approach? Combine both: source smart, brand locally.
Conclusion: Africa’s Eyewear Identity Is Rising—But Smart Production Still Matters
Africa is undeniably shaping the future of eyewear—from bold Afrocentric designs to trend-savvy fashion labels. Across countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya, creative brands are emerging that reflect cultural depth, streetwear influence, and growing consumer demand.
Yet, when it comes to scalable sunglasses manufacturing, most African labels still rely on OEM production outside the continent, especially in China. That’s because full-scale eyewear factories with quality assurance, certifications, and custom tooling remain limited in Africa—for now.
👉 So, if you want to build an African-inspired sunglasses brand, the most practical path is often to design with heart and produce with efficiency. That’s where Eyewearbeyond steps in—as your trusted partner in turning global design trends into high-quality, private-label sunglasses.















