While Africa accounts for only about 2.5% of the global paint and coatings market by value, its automotive coatings segment, especially automotive refinish, is drawing increasing attention as vehicle ownership and aftermarket activity expand across the continent.
Africa’s overall paint and coatings market is estimated at roughly 2.0 billion litres and R93.5 billion (US$ 5.8 billion) in value, with decorative coatings dominating volume and value. However, the automotive segment, though smaller today, shows robust momentum and strategic potential.
The automotive refinish coatings market in Africa is projected to grow steadily over the coming decade. According to Future Market Insights, the segment was valued at around R1.76 billion (US$ 108.9 million) in 2023 and is expected to advance at a CAGR of approximately 4.3% through 2033, reaching about R2.67 billion (US$ 165.5 million) by the end of the period. This growth reflects expanding vehicle ownership, particularly in countries such as South Africa and Egypt, and increasing expenditure on vehicle maintenance and aesthetic upgrades as incomes rise.
South Africa’s automotive refinish coatings market alone generated an estimated R2.83 billion (US$ 175.6 million) in 2024, with forecasts indicating growth to R4.15 billion (US$ 257.5 million) by 2030 at a 6.7% CAGR. The polyurethane segment currently leads revenue generation, while acrylic coatings are growing fastest.
Data from broader automotive coatings reports suggest that South Africa’s OEM coatings market—serving vehicle manufacturers—is itself expanding, albeit from a smaller base. In 2024, it was worth about R697 million (US$ 43.2 million), with forecasts to reach approximately R913 million (US$ 56.6 million) by 2030, growing at around 4.6% CAGR.
Across Africa, these coatings trends are underpinned by a rising number of vehicles on the road, more sophisticated repair and body-shop networks, and increasing consumer demand for vehicle appearance and durability. Urbanisation, construction of transport infrastructure and broader economic growth further support aftermarket refinish demand.
For coatings manufacturers and distributors, Africa’s automotive coatings segment represents a niche yet fast-evolving market. The opportunity lies not only in traditional refinish products but also in eco-friendly waterborne and low-VOC systems, as regulatory frameworks and environmental awareness increase. Prioritising high-growth countries with sizeable vehicle populations—such as South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria and Kenya—will be key to unlocking long-term value in the automotive coatings space.
