Egypt’s paint market rebounded in 2024, driven by public and private sector investments in construction, real estate, and infrastructure projects, and is set for further growth in 2025. Growth in this key market reflects expansion in other North African markets - for instance, neighbouring Libya’s paint market is also growing on the back of construction activity.

“In 2023, the Egyptian paint sector faced several challenges, including currency fluctuations and increased costs of raw materials, such as steel and concrete. These factors, coupled with delays in local construction projects, impacted the overall market performance,” said Mina Lawindy, Manager Infrastructure and Energy Sales, Egypt at Danish paint major Hempel. “In 2024, the market showed signs of recovery and growth. The construction industry remained a significant driver, with numerous state-backed projects and private sector investments.”

Sales projections in this market vary widely by reports, but all agree that the value of paint and coatings revenues in this country of 114.5 million people (UN figures) is significant. Ireland-based market researcher Research & Markets has projected total annual paint and coatings sales in Egypt at USD 3.6 billion by 2027 (1). India-based Mordor Intelligence has estimated the Egyptian paints and coatings market will be worth USD 1.03 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 4.84% to reach USD 1.30 billion by 2030 (2).

Hempel estimates Egypt’s annual paint market potential at USD 500 million, while Norwegian major Jotun estimates the market at over EGP 12 billion (USD 239 million).

Abdullah Tawakol, Managing Director of El Mohandes Jotun, told The Coatings Group: “The sector grew by over 30% in 2024 compared to the previous year. Both public and private sectors have played a major role in driving market demand, with significant projects emerging in central areas, new urban developments, and coastal regions. While some public sector projects have slowed, private sector developments registered growth, balancing overall paint demand in the decorative segment.”

The Egyptian economy has experienced currency depreciation, which has increased input costs, although paint export prices have become more competitive. Inflation stood at 24.1% at the end of 2024.

Supply chain disruptions also impacted the sector, resulting in longer lead times and higher shipping costs, directly affecting the cost of paints in Egypt.

Egypt has also faced energy supply challenges. Natural gas production from the Mediterranean dropped from 70 billion cubic metres (bcm) in 2021 to 53 bcm in 2024, according to Norwegian energy consultancy Rystad Energy. “Energy sector challenges affected overall results,” said Tawakol.

However, positive developments include the Egyptian government securing international investment for major real estate and infrastructure projects. Forecasts by the International Monetary Fund estimate Egypt’s economy will grow by 3.6% in 2025 and by 4.1% in 2026, with inflation rates expected to gradually decline.

Foreign investment in real estate and tourism, coupled with a strong construction sector, is boosting paint sales. The construction sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% between 2024 and 2028, reaching EGP 1.93 trillion (USD 38.4 billion) by 2028, according to Research & Markets data.

“The Egyptian government has launched large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at modernising the country and boosting economic growth, including the construction of new cities, such as the New Administrative Capital, coastal developments, road networks, and the development of the Suez Canal Economic Zone,” said Lawindy.

Government investment in renewable energy, public transport, and infrastructure is supporting strong demand for protective, marine and technical coatings, added Tawakol.

Meanwhile, decorative paint sales remain buoyant, supported by housing initiatives to meet demand from a growing population – increasing by some 2 million people annually, according to World Bank figures. One such initiative is the government’s Social Housing and Mortgage Finance Fund, which provided EGP 74 billion (USD 1.4 billion) in mortgage loans to over one million Egyptians last year. Egypt’s National Strategy for Sustainable Development, Vision 2030, is also driving demand for eco-friendly materials, aiming to reduce energy usage in buildings by 20% by the end of the decade. An estimated 35% of new projects incorporate green design, according to Research & Markets.

“We are witnessing a growing demand for our products as customers increasingly prioritise durability, aesthetic appeal, and eco-friendly solutions, reflecting a shift toward more informed and value-driven purchasing decisions,” said Tawakol. Premium paints are also performing well, with Jotun launching Jotashield Eterna in Egypt, a new paint featuring anti-dust technology. To meet demand, Jotun has invested in a new production facility in 10th of Ramadan City, near Cairo, also targeting exports to the rest of Africa. “We remain highly optimistic about the future of the Egyptian paint sector,” said Tawakol.

In Libya, paint sales have risen over the past two years as investment in infrastructure and development has increased. The country has strong growth potential, with reconstruction expected to require substantial investment over the next decade.

Key Libyan players include Tripoli-based Alwaha Paints, specialising in building and industrial paints, and Misurata-based Almadina Misurata Paints, offering interior and exterior coatings with ISO-certified products.

In Tunisia, the paints and coatings industry is experiencing steady growth, tapping into opportunities in infrastructure and sustainability-focused products.

The paint, wallpaper and related supplies market in Tunisia (population 12.4 million) is projected to grow by 2.41% annually from 2024 to 2029, reaching a market volume of USD 176.2 million in 2029, according to Germany-based data service Statista (4).

According to UK-based GlobalData, Tunisia’s construction sector is expected to recover from 2025 onwards, with forecast average annual growth of 2.9% through to 2028, driven by investment in transport infrastructure and renewable energy.

Eco-friendly paint and coating sales are gaining traction. The EU-funded SUPER PV project (5) has been testing nanocoated photovoltaic panels in Tunisia, highlighting potential for advanced coatings.

Both domestic and export markets are shifting toward sustainable products, with waterborne and low-VOC coatings gaining popularity.

Asso Vernici, based in Megrine near Tunis, is a leading eco-friendly paint manufacturer producing low-VOC coatings through innovative technologies. “Our company is one of the leading eco-friendly paint producers, and it is aiming for a more successful year in 2025,” said Naiem Yahyaoui, Director of Marketing and Commercial Development at Asso Vernici.

Tunisian manufacturers are also adapting to new financial regulations, such as Law no. 41-2024, which aims to modernise payment systems.

Other notable Tunisian players include Ripolin Tunisie, with a plant in Feriana, Kasserine governorate, and Compagnie Africaine de Peinture (CAP), based in Ben Arous, near Tunis, which specialises in car refinishing, industrial, and decorative coatings.

Morocco’s paints and coatings market was valued at USD 358 million in 2023, according to India-based Data Insights Market, and is projected to reach USD 416.24 million by 2032, with a CAGR of 3.06% (5).

This market of 37.8 million people is segmented into residential, commercial, and industrial applications, with key players including AkzoNobel Morocco, Société Industrielle de Peintures du Maroc (SIMP), Jotun Maroc, and BASF Morocco.

The market is seeing rising demand for sustainable products, particularly waterborne and low-VOC coatings. Technological innovation has supported the development of high-performance coatings for specific industrial applications, such as those used in the automotive sector by Tangier-based Dürr Systems Maroc.

Government initiatives aligning environmental regulations with international standards are also helping to drive innovation and sustainability in the sector.

Assuming continued investment and regulatory support, the North African paints and coatings industry is well-positioned for continued growth across its key markets.

By Paul Cochrane and Imen Bliwa