Africa Air Conditioner Market Size and Forecast (2025–2033)

Africa is entering a transformative period in its climate management and infrastructure evolution. According to Renub Research, the Africa air conditioner market reached USD 7.67 billion in 2024, and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.32%, climbing to USD 12.23 billion by 2033.

This steady rise reflects not just growing consumer demand, but a deeper structural shift across the continent—one shaped by rapid urbanization, rising temperatures, tourism expansion, and major real estate and infrastructure investment.

Air conditioners today serve far more than basic cooling functions. They enhance indoor air quality, remove humidity, filter pollutants, and ensure comfortable working and living environments. With Africa experiencing intense heat waves, soaring urban populations, and the increasing adoption of modern lifestyles, cooling solutions are becoming essential for households, industries, and commercial spaces alike.

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Africa Air Conditioners Market Overview

Air conditioners operate by removing heat and moisture from indoor environments and circulating cooled, dehumidified air back into rooms. The market today includes a wide spectrum of technologies—from window ACs, split systems, VRFs, multi-splits, and precision cooling units to portable and solar-powered systems.

In Africa, where many regions experience extreme heat and prolonged humid conditions, ACs contribute dramatically to health, comfort, and productivity. Residential cooling improves quality of life, especially in dense urban areas. Offices and commercial spaces depend on consistent climate control to support workforce productivity. Hospitals and laboratories rely on advanced cooling to safeguard patients, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Tourism and hospitality—one of Africa’s fastest-growing industries—requires high-performing, energy-efficient cooling systems to create world-class guest experiences.

With infrastructure development accelerating and climate conditions intensifying, the need for efficient, sustainable cooling solutions is set to grow rapidly across the continent.

Growth Drivers in the African Air Conditioner Market

1. Rapid Urbanization and Infrastructure Development

Africa is urbanizing at one of the fastest rates in the world. In 2010, 36% of Africans lived in urban areas; by 2030 this is expected to reach 50%, and by 2050 up to 60% of the continent’s population will be city dwellers.

This rapid population shift drives demand for:

Residential housing development

Shopping malls, corporate offices, and mixed-use complexes

Smart city projects led by African Union and UN-Habitat frameworks

Government-funded infrastructure including airports, universities, and hospitals

As the middle class expands and disposable incomes rise, more households can afford cooling systems—making urbanization one of the strongest catalysts for AC market growth.

2. Rising Temperatures and Intensifying Climate Change

Africa is warming faster than the global average.

While the world has warmed by +1.1°C since the pre-industrial period, Africa has already surpassed +1.4°C.

This has resulted in:

More frequent and severe heat waves

Rising discomfort in homes, schools, and workplaces

Increased health risks for vulnerable groups

Higher demand for temperature regulation in both public and private spaces

Regions like North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa are particularly impacted, where summer temperatures often cross 45°C. Cooling is no longer a luxury—it is quickly becoming a survival necessity.

3. Growth of the Tourism and Hospitality Sector

Tourism is booming across Africa, with countries like Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Rwanda receiving millions of international visitors annually.

In South Africa, 3.5 million travelers entered the country in December 2023 alone, according to Statistics South Africa.

Egypt expects 15.3 million tourists in 2024, a 5% increase from the previous year.

This surge has triggered massive investment in:

Hotels and resorts

Airports and transportation hubs

Shopping malls and recreational venues

Every tourism-related business requires high-quality cooling systems to deliver premium guest comfort—further accelerating AC adoption across the continent.

Country-Wise Market Highlights

Egypt: North Africa’s Cooling Powerhouse

Egypt dominates the North African market thanks to its large population, scorching summers, and widespread urban expansion. Massive projects such as the New Administrative Capital and new commercial districts have driven demand for advanced HVAC systems.

Tourism remains another major contributor, with hotels upgrading to energy-efficient AC technologies to appeal to international standards.

A significant boost came in July 2024, when LG partnered with Raya Electric to manufacture over 100,000 air conditioners annually in Egypt, marking a milestone for localized production in the region.

Nigeria: West Africa’s Fastest-Growing Cooling Market

Nigeria’s economic growth, combined with rapid urbanization and a tropical climate, has intensified AC demand in both residential and commercial sectors.

Although electricity reliability remains a challenge, innovation is addressing this gap:

Solar-powered AC units

Energy-efficient inverter technologies

Off-grid cooling solutions

In October 2022, Daikin Industries announced local assembly operations in Nigeria—solidifying the country as a promising hub for affordable cooling solutions.

South Africa: A Mature Market with Sustainability at its Core

South Africa features one of the most advanced HVAC markets in Africa. With climates ranging from hot summers to cool winters, demand remains stable throughout the year.

The country is experiencing a strong shift toward solar-powered cooling, energy-efficient VRF systems, and green building standards. Data centers, corporate parks, large shopping malls, and industrial hubs further fuel market growth.

In November 2023, Hisense opened its first joint HVAC office with Filibiz—marking a decade and a half of market success and expanding its green cooling footprint.

Kenya: Emerging East African Market with Growing Commercial Demand

Kenya’s robust economic growth, rising incomes, and hot climate have accelerated AC adoption. The country’s expanding commercial sectors—retail, tourism, corporate services, and higher education—continue to drive growth.

A major step came in June 2023, when Kenya launched its National Cooling Action Plan (NCAP). The plan advocates energy-efficient cooling technologies and sustainable regulatory guidelines, supporting long-term market expansion.

Morocco: Cooling Demand Driven by Tourism & Urbanization

Morocco’s market is boosted by rising urban populations and the country’s strong tourism industry in cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Agadir. Modern residential complexes, malls, and airports require advanced cooling systems.

In May 2024, Daikin MEA and Morocco’s OFPPT signed an MoU to develop skilled labor for the HVAC industry—indicating strong government and private sector alignment toward sustainable cooling technologies.

Ethiopia: An Untapped Cooling Market with Future Potential

Although still early in adoption, Ethiopia’s urban development, improving electrification, and construction of industrial zones point toward strong long-term AC demand.

As households gain better access to power and incomes rise, Ethiopia is expected to emerge as a significant growth frontier for cooling manufacturers targeting East Africa.

Market Segmentation Snapshot

By Type (5 Viewpoints)

Window AC

Single Split

Multi-Split

Precision Air Conditioning

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF)

By End User (3 Viewpoints)

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Country-Level Markets Included

Morocco • Algeria • Libya • Tunisia • Egypt • Nigeria • South Africa • Rest of Africa

Key Companies Operating in the Africa Air Conditioner Market

LG Electronics Africa Logistics FZE

Samsung Electronics SA (Pty) Limited

AHI Carrier South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Daikin Airconditioning South Africa (Pty) Ltd

Fujitsu General (Middle East) FZE

MS Airconditioning Distributors (Pvt) Ltd

Robert Bosch (Pty) Ltd

Hisense S.A. (PTY) Ltd

Atlas Air Conditioning (Pty) Ltd

Livance (PTY) Ltd. (Midea)

These players are focusing on local manufacturing, energy-efficient product launches, solar-powered innovations, and distribution expansion to strengthen their presence across the continent.

Final Thoughts

Africa’s rising temperatures, urban sprawl, growing middle class, and booming tourism sector are reshaping cooling demand at an unprecedented pace. With the market on track to hit USD 12.23 billion by 2033, the next decade represents a defining period for HVAC manufacturers, sustainability advocates, infrastructure developers, and policymakers.

The future of African cooling will be shaped by:

Energy-efficient and inverter-based systems

Solar and hybrid-powered air conditioners

Smart city infrastructure and green building codes

Localized manufacturing to reduce costs and increase accessibility

As the continent continues to transform economically and environmentally, the air conditioner market stands at the nexus of comfort, technology, and climate resilience—making it one of the most impactful growth stories of the decade.