The distribution of lubricant products has been reported as one of the fastest-growing industries in Africa today. Local lubricant manufacturers and suppliers are doubling and even tripling their production to keep up with rising demand.
There is currently a significant increase in lubricant consumption across Africa, mainly driven by the automotive and power-generation sectors.
The growth in vehicle ownership across the continent, combined with the rising demand for power, has positioned power generation as one of the fastest-growing end-users of lubricants. In 2024, the automotive segment accounted for 45.28% of the African lubricants market.
According to Mordor Intelligence, the African lubricants market is projected to grow from 2.68 billion litres in 2025 to 3.18 billion litres by 2030.
Africa’s lubricants market continues to expand, supported by strong economic activity in transportation, mining, construction, and agriculture.
This growth presents major opportunities in lubricants distribution and in local manufacturing, including the establishment of lubricants blending plants.
Automotive engine oil remains the most consumed lubricant product in Africa, holding a 36.41% market share in 2024.
Mining and construction booms across the region are also major demand drivers.
Copper, phosphate, and critical mineral projects are expanding in South Africa and Zambia. All mining equipment and heavy machinery require lubricants to operate efficiently and reduce maintenance costs.
Large-scale infrastructure upgrades—including roads, railways, and ports in Tanzania, Nigeria, and Kenya—also increase demand for greases, hydraulic oils, and turbine oils used in heavy earth-moving equipment.
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Africa is additionally witnessing significant expansion in blending capacity, as oil marketing companies continue to build new blending plants to enhance local production.
At the same time, opportunities in lubricants distribution are growing. Major oil companies are actively inviting local entrepreneurs to become distributors for their wide range of lubricant products in various regions.
