The Africa automotive refinish coatings market is anticipated to be valued at USD 118.5 million in 2025. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period and reach a value of USD 180.5 million in 2035.
In 2024, the automotive refinish coatings market in Africa showed steady growth due to rising vehicle ownership, road accidents, and increasing demand from consumers for personalizing their vehicles. The two key markets remained Egypt and South Africa, where traffic density and the frequency of road mishaps created the need for refinishing solutions
Key Market Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated Market Size in 2025 | USD 118.5 Million |
| Projected Market Size in 2035 | USD 180.5 Million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.3% |
Urbanization, the growing association of ride-hailing services, and the continued growth of commercial fleet operations catalyzed the demand for repair and maintenance coatings. However, eco-friendly coatings such as waterborne refinish solutions gained increasing traction as governments and manufacturers pursued sustainability-oriented alternatives to solvent-based products.
The market is expected to reach USD 180.5 million in 2035. Both the automotive sector's continued growth and growing aftermarket support from key players, as well as the introduction of more polishes and premium coatings, will further drive demand. Innovations associated with low-VOC, water-based formulations will be sustained by environmental regulations and consumer preferences for sustainability. Furthermore, economic development and increased industry investments in Africa’s automotive repair ecosystem will create new revenue streams for coating manufacturers.
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A recent survey conducted by Future Market Insights with key stakeholders in the industry revealed several critical trends shaping the industry. Body shops, repair centers, and automotive aftermarket players emphasized the growing preference for high-durability and fast-drying coatings to enhance vehicle aesthetics and reduce downtime.A significant portion of respondents also highlighted the increasing adoption of waterborne and low-VOC coatings, driven by regulatory policies and growing environmental awareness among consumers.
Stakeholders identified road accidents and vehicle aging as primary demand drivers for refinish coatings. In regions like South Africa and Egypt, frequent collisions and the need for vehicle restorations have led to higher consumption of advanced coatings with enhanced scratch resistance. Additionally, fleet operators and ride-hailing service providers are actively seeking cost-effective refinishing solutions to maintain their vehicles' appearance and longevity.
Market participants also pointed to aftermarket support programs and training initiatives as key factors influencing brand loyalty and product selection. Leading manufacturers investing in technical assistance, training workshops, and localized distribution networks are gaining a competitive edge.
Furthermore, industry players expect a rise in premium coatings and customization trends as consumers increasingly demand personalized vehicle finishes.To gain deeper insights into evolving market dynamics and explore strategic opportunities, request a detailed report from Future Market Insights today.
| Country | Regulatory Impact & Mandatory Certifications |
|---|---|
| South Africa | Strict VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) regulations under environmental laws are pushing manufacturers toward waterborne and low-VOC coatings. The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) ensures compliance with SANS 10265:2009, which governs vehicle refinishing materials. |
| Egypt | The government is enforcing stricter air pollution and environmental safety norms, aligning with global standards. Import restrictions on high-VOC solvent-based coatings are increasing demand for eco-friendly alternatives. Companies must comply with Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality (EOS) regulations. |
| Nigeria | Regulations under the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) are promoting lead-free and eco-friendly coatings. Certification from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is required for imported and locally produced coatings. |
| Kenya | Compliance with National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) regulations is necessary for coating manufacturers. The focus is on reducing air pollutants and encouraging the adoption of waterborne and UV-cured coatings. Companies must meet KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards) certification for product approval. |
| Morocco | Morocco is gradually aligning its automotive refinishing standards with EU environmental policies. While the country encourages the adoption of low-VOC coatings, it has not officially mandated a complete phase-out of high-VOC coatings. The Moroccan Institute for Standardization (IMANOR) oversees compliance with eco-friendly product standards. |
| 2020 to 2024 | 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| The market saw steady growth post-COVID-19 disruptions, driven by rising vehicle ownership and increased road accidents. Economic recovery efforts supported automotive aftermarket expansion. | The industry is expected to expand steadily, supported by eco-friendly innovations, increased fleet maintenance demand, and growing automotive refinishing services. |
| Traditional solvent-borne coatings continued to hold a significant share, though regulatory pressure and environmental concerns began pushing for alternatives. | Stricter VOC regulations and sustainability trends will drive higher adoption of waterborne and UV-cured coatings, reducing reliance on solvent-based options. |
| Acrylic-based coatings largely dominated the industry due to their cost-effectiveness, UV resistance, and durability. | Acrylic coatings will remain dominant but will evolve with improved formulations for higher efficiency and sustainability. |
| The refinish coatings market was primarily fueled by passenger car repairs and repainting, with commercial vehicles holding a smaller but stable share. | The increasing number of ride-hailing services, logistics companies, and commercial fleets will contribute to higher demand for coatings in fleet maintenance and refurbishment. |
| Increased collision repair work, customization trends, and used-car industry expansion drove demand for refinish coatings. | The growing need for cost-effective vehicle restoration will solidify the aftermarket segment’s dominance over OEM coatings. |
| Despite challenges like supply chain disruptions and economic slowdowns, the market maintained stable expansion. | The industry is projected to witness higher-value innovations, enhanced durability coatings, and smart refinish solutions for better performance and longevity. |
Acrylic remains the most preferred material for automotive refinish coatings, accounting for 57.7% of the total market share in 2023. This dominance is driven by its glossy finish, UV resistance, and durability, making it the top choice for vehicle refinishing.
Acrylic coatings also offer quick drying time and ease of application, further fueling their adoption across both OEMs and the aftermarket. The segment is projected to maintain its leadership position, benefiting from continuous innovations in high-performance acrylic formulations.
Waterborne coatings are emerging as the fastest-growing category, projected to account for 36.6% of the market share in 2023. Their low VOC emissions, high corrosion resistance, and eco-friendly nature drive increased adoption, especially as environmental regulations tighten.
The shift from solvent-based to water-based formulations is supported by automakers and repair shops looking to reduce their ecological footprint. With ongoing research into advanced waterborne technologies, this segment is set for rapid expansion through 2035.
Among product types, clear coats and base coats experience significant demand. Clear coats protect against environmental factors, enhancing the vehicle’s appearance and longevity. Meanwhile, base coats form the foundational color layer, crucial for refinishing work. With growing consumer preferences for glossy and metallic finishes, these two product categories will continue to dominate the industry.
Passenger cars remain the largest segment, especially in urban regions where vehicle refinishing is frequently required due to higher road traffic and accident rates. Within this category, midsize and compact cars account for a significant share, as they make up a large portion of Africa’s vehicle fleet. However, commercial vehicles, particularly light commercial vehicles (LCVs), are expected to drive growth as businesses seek cost-effective refinishing solutions to maintain fleet aesthetics and durability.
The aftermarket segment leads the industry, driven by increased collision repair needs and vehicle personalization trends. As car owners opt for custom paint jobs and refinishing services, the demand for high-quality coatings continues to surge. While OEMs contribute significantly to new vehicle coatings, the aftermarket sector will outpace OEM growth, driven by Africa’s expanding used-car market and rising road accident cases.
As of 2024, the Africa automotive refinish coatings market has seen significant activity among major companies, with companies focusing on strategically expanding, partnering, and investing in new technologies that will help them strengthen their position in the industry. Major players like PPG Industries, Axalta Coating Systems, BASF SE, AkzoNobel N.V., and Kansai Paint are all aggressively pursuing strategies to capture a larger share of this growing industry.
All these companies leverage their coatings technology expertise to address the emerging demand for high-quality, durable, and environmentally friendly refinish coatings in Africa. PPG Industries is the largest market shareholder at approximately 20-25% because of its strong distribution and innovative waterborne refinish coating systems designed for Africa's unique climatic and regulatory conditions.
PPG Industries holds the largest market share at approximately 20-22%, driven by its strong distribution network and advanced waterborne refinish coating systems tailored for Africa’s unique climatic and regulatory conditions. The company launched a new waterborne refinish coating system in 2024 to address environmental concerns and strengthen its sustainability portfolio.
Axalta Coating Systems follows with a 15-18% market share, focusing on key African markets such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. The company has expanded its reach by entering a strategic partnership with a leading automotive distributor in South Africa to enhance supply chain efficiency and customer accessibility.
BASF SE commands around 12-18% of the market, emphasizing innovation and sustainability through low-VOC (volatile organic compound) refinish coatings intended to meet the strict environmental regulations of Africa. Likewise, the company has invested in local production facilities to cut costs and improve delivery times, thus creating a more responsive supply chain.
AkzoNobel N.V. captures 10-15% of the market with an agenda that focuses on customer engagement and digital transformation. In 2024, the company also launched a mobile application that allows automotive repair shops to access technical support, color-matching tools, and training resources, strengthening customer loyalty and streamlining the refinishing process.
Kansai Paint holds about 5-10% of the market as it seeks to build its footprint in East Africa. There are reports of interest from parties toward the acquisition of regional players, but no official confirmation accompanies such disclosures. Industry sources suggest that such moves align with Kansai Paint's efforts to grow its footprint in the African market.
Sherwin-Williams has an approximately 5-8% share but is increasingly oriented towards emerging markets, even though there is little in the way of regional production facilities. Jotun, Berger Paints, and National Paints make up around 15-20% of the market, comprising regional and local players.
Like other industrial trends, the current trends in automotive refinish coatings and fixtures for Africa fall within the automotive aftermarket and specialty chemicals industry in terms of vehicle maintenance, repair, and aesthetic improvements. This industry is greatly affected by macroeconomic conditions, the state of the automotive industry, and various regulatory policies.
The growth trend of Africa's automotive industry has continued since 2020 and will extend to 2024. This is driven by increasing vehicle ownership, urbanization, and rising disposable incomes, among others. Conversely, inflation, currency fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions have negatively impacted the price of raw materials and, by extension, the refinish coatings price. Additionally, the proliferation of used-car markets and fleet-based transportation services has created a sustained demand for automotive refinishing solutions.
Between 2025 and 2035, the industry is set to grow significantly. This will be supported by economic development, infrastructure investments, and regulatory changes that will favor sustainable coatings. Many African governments are implementing VOC emission regulations and environmental standards, prompting a shift toward waterborne and low-VOC coatings. Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce and digitalization in the automotive aftermarket will enhance the accessibility and distribution of refinish coatings across Africa.
However, the market will grow because of an expanding vehicle fleet, rising accident rates, and consumers' preference for vehicle customization despite currency volatility, import dependency on raw materials, and other challenges. Long-term growth will depend on regulatory harmonization, incentives for local production, and innovation in eco-friendly coatings.
Expansion into Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Coatings
The growing VOC regulations and concerns about the environment make it clear that the demand for waterborne and UV-cured coatings will rise across Africa, driven by stricter VOC regulations and environmental concerns. Companies should invest in their research and development departments to develop low-VOC, very-low-VOC, or no-VOC formulations.
Strengthening Local Manufacturing & Distribution Networks
Africa’s high dependency on imported raw materials and coatings leads to price volatility and supply chain disruptions. Establishing local production units and sourcing raw materials domestically can reduce costs and improve profitability. Strategic partnerships with local distributors and auto repair networks will enhance industry reach, especially in high-growth regions like Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria.
Targeting Commercial Vehicle Fleets & Ride-Hailing Services
The rise of ride-hailing platforms (Uber, Bolt) and logistics companies is fueling demand for fleet maintenance solutions. Offering bulk refinish coating contracts, tailored fleet packages, and mobile refinishing services will unlock new revenue streams. Developing fast-drying, high-durability coatings suited for heavy commercial vehicle fleets can further drive adoption.
Digital Transformation & E-Commerce Integration
The automotive aftermarket is shifting online, with businesses and consumers purchasing coatings via digital platforms. Companies should invest in B2B and B2C e-commerce platforms, offering direct-to-consumer sales, digital color-matching tools, and online consultation services. Building a strong regional e-commerce presence can boost sales and enhance brand visibility.
Aftermarket Service Expansion & Training Initiatives
The aftermarket segment dominates the African market, but a shortage of skilled refinishers limits growth. Companies should establish training programs for auto body shops, offering certification courses in advanced refinishing techniques. Partnering with vocational institutes and repair chains will build brand loyalty and ensure higher-quality coating applications.
Mergers, Acquisitions & Joint Ventures
To scale operations and gain industry share, companies should explore M&A opportunities with local automotive paint manufacturers, auto body shop chains, and distribution firms. Joint ventures with global players entering the African market can provide access to new technologies and R&D capabilities. A strategic focus on country-specific collaborations will accelerate industry penetration.
Increasing vehicle ownership, accident rates, and demand for personalization are key growth drivers.
They offer low VOC emissions, high durability, and comply with evolving environmental regulations.
South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and Morocco are key contributors due to their automotive sector growth.
It drives demand through repainting, refinishing, and fleet maintenance, especially in the used-car sector.
They are developing low-VOC, waterborne, and UV-cured coatings while promoting eco-friendly solutions.
The market is segmented into primer, base coat, top coat, clear coat, and fillers.
The market is segmented into solvent borne, water borne, and uv cure.
The market is segmented into polyurethanes, acrylics, alkyd, and nitrocellulose.
The market is segmented into passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
The market is segmented into OEM and aftermarket.
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Africa Automotive Refinish Coatings Market
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