Best CAD Software in Africa
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Compare the Top CAD Software in Africa as of November 2025
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What is CAD Software in Africa?
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software is software used by engineers, architects, and designers to create precise 2D and 3D models. It enables users to design, visualize, and simulate their projects with high accuracy, facilitating efficient prototyping and problem-solving. CAD software supports a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and product design, by offering features like parametric modeling, rendering, and automated drafting. Its intuitive interfaces and integration with other engineering tools make it a cornerstone of modern design workflows. By streamlining the design process, CAD software helps reduce development time, improve collaboration, and bring innovative ideas to life. Compare and read user reviews of the best CAD software in Africa currently available using the table below. This list is updated regularly.
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1
Altium Develop
Altium
Altium Develop is a multidisciplinary product creation platform that breaks down silos and empowers teams to design collaboratively without limits. Built on Altium Designer and Altium 365, it unifies electrical, mechanical, software, sourcing, and manufacturing teams in a shared environment. Every comment, change, and decision is captured in real time, giving collaborators visibility without the need for constant check-ins. The platform enhances project outcomes by aligning requirements, supply chain data, and design context in one ecosystem. Manufacturing engineers and suppliers can provide feedback early, avoiding costly rework and delays. By transforming collaboration into true co-creation, Altium Develop helps organizations innovate faster, smarter, and with greater alignment across disciplines.Starting Price: 995/year/author -
2
ActCAD Software
Jytra Technology Solutions
ActCAD is a native dwg/dxf cad software suitable for professional 2D drafting and 3D modeling projects. ActCAD is trusted by over 30000 users in over 103 countries for more than 10 years. The interface, commands, icons, dialogs, shortcuts etc. are very much similar to other popular cad software tools available in market. Flexible license types available even for single license. There is no learning for existing cad users while saving 80% of the costs. ActCAD offers free email technical support without any limitations. ActCAD can be fully customized and programs can be developed using our free API toolkit. It supports popular programming languages like , lisp dcl, .net, C++ etc. Apart from all regular commands, ActCAD offers many productive tools like pdf to cad converter, Block libraries, Image to Cad converter, handling point sets between Cad and Excel and many more. ActCAD is suitable for any high end professional projects in the domains of Architecture, Civil, Mechanical,AutomotiveStarting Price: $249.00/one-time/user -
3
CMS IntelliCAD
CAD-MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS INC
CMS IntelliCAD® is the intelligent, powerful and affordable full-featured CAD Software and is fully programmable with hundreds of third party solutions. CMS IntelliCAD also offers a full suite of 2D and 3D AutoCAD® compatible drawing tools! It is the smartest choice for engineers, architects and consultants, or anyone who communicates using CAD drawings. It is designed to give you the best unrivaled compatibility and a true CAD Software alternative to Autodesk® AutoCAD® software and is fully programmable with hundreds of third party solutions. CMS IntelliCAD also offers DWG file extension native support! And now also with Microstation DGN file support.Starting Price: $149.95/one-time/user -
4
CADhobby
CAD-MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS INC.
CADhobby Student - free version for Academic use only. CADhobby IntelliCAD is a powerful and affordable computer-aided design (CAD) software application that is perfect for both hobbyists and professionals. It offers a wide range of features, including 2D and 3D modeling, rendering, and animation. CADhobby IntelliCAD is also compatible with a variety of file formats, including DWG, DXF, DGN, and STL. CADhobby IntelliCAD is a great choice for anyone who wants to create high-quality CAD designs without breaking the bank. It is easy to learn and use, and it has a large and active community of users who can provide support and help.Starting Price: $0.00/one-time/user -
5
CAD6studio
Malz++Kassner GmbH
CAD6studio is the professional 2D/3D CAD program of the CAD6 series with all functions for planning, construction, and visualization. Apart from a 2D drawing area, the program provides 3D spaces to create and edit 3D components. Supported file formats: MKD, DWG, DXF, HP-GL/2, SHP, SVG, STL, WMF, EMF, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, GIF, BMP, TVG, T2G, T3G, T4G, VEK, BLD Contains SMART2D Technology plus many highly effective functions for the comfortable creation of drawing objects, working with curves and surfaces, as well as automatic trimming commands, equidistants, clippings, mappings, multiple lines, archiving of drawings, automatic saving, parts lists creation, etc. Use DirectPDF to create professional, ultra-high-resolution PDF files with Unicode texts, layers, transparencies, hyperlinks, and RGB/CMYK/CIElab colors. On demand, you can directly create PDF/A-1b and PDF/A-2b files. All programs of the CAD6 series are 100% data-compatible.Starting Price: 55 EUR per month -
6
CAD6industrie
Malz++Kassner GmbH
CAD6industrie is the comprehensive 2D/3D CAD/CAM solution for industrial use. In addition to to the full range of functions of CAD6studio, including SMART2D Technology, it also contains a CAM plug-in and a universal, script-based post-processor for the flexible and efficient generation of CNC data for machine controllers. The CAM plug-in supports the following machining procedures: milling, drilling, turning, water jet cutting, laser cutting, as well as cutting, plotting, and positioning. Commands like milling cutter compensation, pocket milling, milling order control, milling time calculation and a graphical 3D preview let you create drawings that are directly milled later. Extensive tool and machine settings, plus output of custom commands (such as cycles or sub-programs) by means of symbols, give you the complete control over what the post-processors finally output to the machine. All programs of the CAD6 series are 100% data-compatible.Starting Price: 74.17 EUR per month -
7
MATLAB
The MathWorks
MATLAB® combines a desktop environment tuned for iterative analysis and design processes with a programming language that expresses matrix and array mathematics directly. It includes the Live Editor for creating scripts that combine code, output, and formatted text in an executable notebook. MATLAB toolboxes are professionally developed, rigorously tested, and fully documented. MATLAB apps let you see how different algorithms work with your data. Iterate until you’ve got the results you want, then automatically generate a MATLAB program to reproduce or automate your work. Scale your analyses to run on clusters, GPUs, and clouds with only minor code changes. There’s no need to rewrite your code or learn big data programming and out-of-memory techniques. Automatically convert MATLAB algorithms to C/C++, HDL, and CUDA code to run on your embedded processor or FPGA/ASIC. MATLAB works with Simulink to support Model-Based Design. -
8
AutoCAD
Autodesk
CAD software to design anything—with time-saving toolsets, web, and mobile apps. AutoCAD® is computer-aided design (CAD) software that architects, engineers, and construction professionals rely on to create precise 2D and 3D drawings. Draft, annotate, and design 2D geometry and 3D models with solids, surfaces, and mesh objects. Automate tasks such as comparing drawings, adding blocks, creating schedules, and more. Customize with add-on apps and APIs. AutoCAD includes industry-specific features and intelligent objects for architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical design, and more. Automate floor plans, sections, and elevations. Draw piping, ducting, and circuiting quickly with parts libraries. Auto-generate annotations, layers, schedules, lists, and tables. Use a rules-driven workflow to accurately enforce industry standards.Starting Price: $1,268 per user per year -
9
4MCAD
4M
4MCAD is a 2D drafting and 3D modelling CAD software. It is a reliable and low-cost AutoCAD like software platform. More specifically, it is powered by IntelliCAD and ODA, providing 2D/3D CAD Complete Design, Raster Image support, Rendering, BIM/IFC import, AEC objects modelling, VBA support, PDF 2 DWG conversion, rich block libraries and a lot of other advanced key features.Starting Price: $60 per user -
10
WSCAD
WSCAD
At WSCAD, we have been developing electrical CAD solutions for over 30 years. Customers include small to medium-sized companies, international corporations, and engineering service providers in the machine-building, panel manufacturing, and building automation industries. WSCAD software is used by over 40,000 electrical engineers as their electrical CAD solution. WSCAD ELECTRIX – our most powerful electrical CAD – is our brand-new offering. No matter if you are designing piping & instrumentation diagrams, fluid power or electrical schematics, cabinet engineering, building automation or electrical installation – WSCAD is the right tool for you. The new ELECTRIX comes with a completely new design engine (editor) and embedded compatibility to standard formats like DXF/DWG and uses modern technologies such as augmented reality, multi-threading and automation.Starting Price: $84/month -
11
SilicaCAD
FSC
SilicaCAD Professional is a 2D/3D DWG-native CAD for general-purpose drafting. The program is original and based on 22 years’ of CAD experience (since 1999), SilicaCAD offers very high compatibility with AutoCAD® offers more advanced features and exclusive tools essential. The best solution for AEC, and MCAD in all sectors of CAD use. SilicaCAD is the best economic solution, it is a perpetual licensing with more Extra CAD functions at a fraction of the cost of other CADs software. DWG is the same AutoCAD’s file format, so when you open an existing DWG file with SilicaCAD, there’s no file conversion and no data loss. We provide industry-standard compatibility with AutoCAD®, which means you can get to work immediately using DWG files, commands, fonts, blocks, hatches, and Linetypes. You can finally buy a DWG-compatible ACAD at an extremely affordable price.Starting Price: $350 per user -
12
SharkCAD
Punch CAD
Made for professional users, SharkCAD® has superior mesh-based and solid modeling tools that will make your architectural, mechanical, prototyping, and design projects a breeze. This is the perfect CAD software for those who have advanced past the basic 3D modeling CAD tools and are ready to swim with the big fish. Don’t get caught by underperforming software, get SharkCAD. Whether you run a solo engineering or design firm, or employ a big crew, SharkCAD will give you the power you need at a price you can afford. It includes 2D drafting and 3D modeling toolsets, with easy switching 2D/3D views. SharkCAD can help you accomplish 3D prototyping, photorealistic rendering, and designs for product manufacturing or packaging, architectural drawings, home remodeling plans, interior design, inventions, and more. Don’t waste another minute on entry-level software you’ve outgrown. SharkCAD can give you professional quality CAD design tools that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.Starting Price: $999.99 -
13
ARES Commander
Graebert
2D & 3D CAD software to create & modify technical drawings in DWG format with choice between Perpetual, Network or Annual licenses. Experience the agility of the n°1 alternative to AutoCAD. Cost-effective, ARES Commander offers a full replacement and an easy switch, at a fraction of the cost. With Graebert's ARES CAD software you will enjoy a 3-in-1 license, including ARES Commander (for Windows, macOS and Linux computers) + ARES Kudo (Cloud) + ARES Touch (iOS + Android). These 3 products work in synergy to synchronize the work across users and devices. Create and modify DWG drawings locally, with files stored on your computer, or in sync with Google Drive, Box, OneDrive, Dropbox, Onshape, Trimble Connect. Alternatively, you can also store files in a private Cloud server (via WebDAV). Some our advanced CAD features include the support for Dynamic blocks, PDF to DWG conversion, Drawing comparison, IFC & Revit import, 3D solid modeling, satellite images and street maps.Starting Price: $350.00/year -
14
nanoCAD
Nanosoft
nanoCAD is a modern computer-aided design (CAD) platform that provides designers with powerful capabilities in 2D drafting and 3D modeling. nanoCAD can be used on its own as a cost-effective DWG-editor, or customized with essential modules: Construction, Mechanica, Raster, Topoplan and 3D Solid Modeling. 2D drawings and 3D solid models with 2D and 3D parametric constraints, and dynamic UCS for effortless sketching on 3D faces. Documentation drawings link to 3D models. Fully DWG compatible.Starting Price: $180.00/year/user -
15
ARCHLine.XP
CADline
We deliver design software solutions for architects, interior designers and furniture makers. ARCHLine.XP LT - Solid 3D CAD/BIM product at affordable price ARCHLine.XP Professional - Large-scale 3D BIM software for architecture ARCHLine.XP Live - Easy-to-use archviz animation software -
16
MicroStation
Bentley Systems
MicroStation by Bentley Systems is the trusted computer-aided design (CAD) software built specifically for infrastructure design. It enables architects, engineers, and designers to create precise 2D and 3D drawings that bring complex projects to life—from bridges and highways to utilities and smart cities. With powerful tools for design, documentation, and visualization, MicroStation helps professionals deliver projects faster, more accurately, and with greater confidence. The software natively supports DGN, DWG, and point-cloud data, eliminating file conversion hassles and improving collaboration across teams. Its robust environment connects applications, data, and users to ensure seamless project delivery at any scale. MicroStation is the foundation of modern infrastructure design—reliable, interoperable, and built for professionals who build the world.Starting Price: $250 per month -
17
Solid Edge
Siemens
Solid Edge is a portfolio of affordable, easy to deploy, maintain, and use software tools that advance all aspects of the product development process – mechanical and electrical design, simulation, manufacturing, technical documentation, data management, and cloud-based collaboration. Developed on Siemens industry leading technologies, Solid Edge provides the most innovative and comprehensive approach to product development for the mainstream market.Starting Price: $75/month/user -
18
Canvas
Occipital
The new power tool for home improvement. Fast, easy, mobile 3D scanning for home service pros and DIY warriors. Powered by the world’s first mobile depth sensor, the Structure Sensor, Canvas makes capturing a 3D model of a room delightfully easy. Simply tap scan, walk around the room, and watch as a scale-accurate model is built in real-time, right on your iPad. No more busting out the measuring tape and converting scribbles into floor plans later – Canvas captures tens of thousands of measurements all at once, and then pieces it together into an interactive 3D model. Your 3D model is saved on your iPad, so you can go back and revisit any space, at any time. Whether you just need to refresh your memory of a given viewpoint or capture a forgotten measurement, you're never more than a few taps away. Save hours with professional-grade CAD output. With our Scan To CAD service, we’ll convert your scan into an editable, professional-grade, CAD file.Starting Price: $10 -
19
GeoHECRAS
CivilGEO, Inc.
GeoHECRAS is a river modeling software used to compute water surface profiles for steady and unsteady flow models, bridge and culvert roadway crossings, FEMA floodplain encroachments, stream restorations, inline reservoir structures, off-channel storage areas, and much more. GeoHECRAS offers: • Quickly Build 1D & 2D HEC-RAS Models • Automatic Assignment of Land Cover as Manning’s Roughness • Digital Terrain Cross Section Cutting • Automated Bridge & Culvert Sizing and Designing • Automated FEMA Floodplain Encroachments • LiDAR Elevation Terrain Processing • Automated Model Calibration • AutoCAD, MicroStation & ESRI ArcGIS Compatible • 100% Compatible with US Army Corps of Engineers HEC-RAS GeoHECRAS provides an easy-to-use, single graphical platform to rapidly create stunning HEC-RAS models and 3D visualizations from a variety of different data sources like AutoCAD, MicroStation, ArcGIS, Google Maps, and more. -
20
CorelDRAW Technical Suite
Alludo
Expand what’s possible in visual communication with CorelDRAW® Technical Suite 2021, a comprehensive collection of applications for high-impact technical design and documentation. Experience a seriously streamlined workflow with professional tools that accelerate productivity and deliver precision results. Import 3D data or start from scratch to create accurate product drawings, schematics, and interactive spare parts pages with specialized technical illustration tools. When it’s time for feedback and approval, next-generation collaboration features keep everyone on the same page in real-time, and publishing couldn’t be more confident, thanks to industry-standard compliant output. From manufacturing and engineering to architecture and high tech, CorelDRAW Technical Suite is the ultimate hub for designing detailed technical illustrations, documentation, marketing, and more, with total control and incredible efficiency. -
21
GeoHECHMS
CivilGEO, Inc.
GeoHECHMS greatly speeds up the creation, analysis, and review of stormwater models. It is a data wrapper to the industry-standard US Army Corps of Engineers HEC-HMS software using an AutoCAD compatible graphical user interface. GeoHECHMS offers: • Automated HEC-HMS Workflows • AutoCAD Civil 3D & ArcGIS Integration • Automated Watershed Delineation • Detention Pond Design • Purpose-Built Stormwater Design Tools • Automated TOC & Lag Time • Automated CN Computations • Comprehensive Report Generation GeoHECHMS lets you quickly compare different scenarios and alternatives, such as pre-development conditions with different post-development designs. Rapidly construct, design, analyze and compare detention and retention ponds. -
22
Tebis
Tebis
Tebis is a leading global provider of CAD / CAM and MES software and process solutions for the manufacturing industry. Tebis provides technology solutions for the manufacturing industry that improve efficiency, drive quality and produce better products. There is no problem that Tebis can’t solve. Our solutions deliver an immediate impact on product performance and long-term improvements in efficiency and reliability. We help company’s address today’s challenges while enabling tomorrow’s technologies. For your design and manufacturing, manufacturing planning and manufacturing documents. Tebis 4.1 is a complete parametric-associative CAD/CAM system with which all tasks in manufacturing preparation, design and CAM programming can be performed seamlessly in highly automated processing in a single system. Customers use the Tebis Browser – our free 3D data viewer for Tebis CAD model files– for communication within their companies and with suppliers. -
23
CATIA
Dassault Systèmes
CATIA is the world's leading solution for product design and experience. It is used by leading organizations in multiple industries to develop the products we see and use in our everyday lives. CATIA delivers the unique ability not only to model any product, but to do so in the context of its real-life behavior: design in the age of experience. Systems architects, engineers, designers, construction professionals and all contributors can define, imagine and shape the connected world. A Social design environment built on a single source of truth and accessed through powerful 3D dashboards that drive business intelligence, real-time concurrent design and collaboration across all stakeholders including mobile workers. An Instinctive 3DEXPERIENCE for both experienced and occasional users with world-class 3D modeling and simulation capabilities that optimize the effectiveness of every user. An Inclusive product development platform that is easily integrated with existing processes & tools. -
24
FreeCAD
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler made primarily to design real-life objects of any size. Parametric modeling allows you to easily modify your design by going back into your model history and changing its parameters. FreeCAD allows you to sketch geometry constrained 2D shapes and use them as a base to build other objects. It contains many components to adjust dimensions or extract design details from 3D models to create high quality production ready drawings. FreeCAD is a multiplatfom (Windows, Mac and Linux), highly customizable and extensible software. It reads and writes to many open file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE and many others, making it possible to seamlessly integrate it into your workflow. FreeCAD is designed to fit a wide range of uses including product design, mechanical engineering and architecture. Whether you are a hobbyist, a programmer, an experienced CAD user, a student or a teacher, you will feel right at home with FreeCAD. -
25
Cimatron
Cimatron
Cimatron develops and distributes CAD/CAM software for the manufacturing industry. Cimatron caters to all manufacturing sectors, offering specialized solutions for mold and die makers, as well as solutions for 2.5-5-Axis production milling and turning. Ranked among the top six CAD/CAM suppliers in every global region, Cimatron has subsidiaries in Asia, North America and Europe, and works with certified independent service providers in over 40 countries worldwide. Cimatron service providers offer responsive and effective sales and technical support, helping businesses use Cimatron software to maximize their potential. Cimatron's full solutions use the most advanced technology available to speed up productivity and shorten delivery times. Designed and developed by manufacturers and toolmakers with a wealth of experience on the shop floor, both of Cimatron's product lines are easy to learn and intuitive for the manufacturing professionals who use them. -
26
EnRoute
SAi
EnRoute is the go-to CNC software solution for everyday cutting, nested-based production, and creative design applications. Our CAD/CAM design software provides a unique combination of 2D and 3D design and toolpath capabilities for CNC routers, lasers, plasma, waterjet and knife cutters. Get the most out of your CNC Router with no large upfront cost. Just a low monthly operating expense gets you every feature in EnRoute software to unlock the full productivity and revenue potential of your CNC Router. It is now easier to create Symmetric Rapid Texture Features. Create interlocking components that can be used to create shelves and other objects. The new simulation engine provides a more realistic view of the finished piece. Right click on a tool button and a short movie explaining that tool will play. SAi EnRoute 7 takes CAD/CAM production to the next level. Your cut jobs easier, faster and higher quality than ever before.Starting Price: $34.99 per month -
27
VisualARQ
ASUNI
VisualARQ is a Flexible BIM solution powered by McNeel’s Rhinoceros 3D. VisualARQ enhances Rhino by adding powerful associative object styling and dynamic documentation tools which adapt to fit the professional’s workflow. VisualARQ allows you to with parametric architectural objects, produce 2D drawings from the 3D model, generate dynamic BIM objects driven by Grasshopper, automate many modeling tasks through the VisualARQ components built for Grasshopper, add custom data to geometry and list in schedules and finally deliver BIM models and collaborate with other tools through the IFC import/export capabilities.Starting Price: $95-795 one-time payment -
28
RFEM
Dlubal Software
The FEA program RFEM allows for quick and easy modeling, structural and dynamic calculation, as well as the design of models with member, plate, wall, folded plate, shell, and solid elements. Due to the modular software concept, you can connect the main program RFEM with the corresponding add‑ons in order to meet your individual requirements. The structural analysis program RFEM provides structural engineers with a 3D FEA program that meets all requirements in modern civil engineering. Efficient data input and intuitive handling facilitate the modeling of simple and complex structures. The structural analysis program RFEM is the basis of a modular software system. The basic program RFEM is used to define structures, materials, and loads for planar and spatial structural systems consisting of plates, walls, shells, and members. The program also allows you to create combined structures as well as model solid and contact elements.Starting Price: €697.50 rent 1 month -
29
Onshape
Onshape
Onshape is a modern CAD and data management solution with features that include modern CAD, standard content libraries, multi-part modeling, and in-context editing. Onshape allows users to access the solution anywhere and anytime without downloads and installations. Onshape enables users to store and share CAD data in a secure cloud workspace. Onshape allows users to control and monitor access privileges of stored CAD files.Starting Price: $125.00/month/user -
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HydroCAD
HydroCAD Software Solutions
HydroCAD Stormwater Modeling provides easy TR-20, TR-55, SBUH, and Rational hydrology, plus TC calculations, pond storage, outlet hydraulics, pump routing, underground storage, pollutant loading, and more. Special features include direct CAD import, dam breach routing, skimmers, tubes, siphons, local rainfall data import, and a constantly expanding chamber library. Interactive graphical environment is fast and intuitive, producing better results in less time on every project.Starting Price: $295.00