Nairobi, Kenya : Subash Gaijes Selvaraj, President – Industrial Coatings, Nippon Paint India, addressed industry leaders and stakeholders at the Coil Coating & Sandwich Panel Conference 2026 held at the Mövenpick Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya.
During his address, Mr Gaijes shared insights into the evolving requirements of the coil coating industry and the growing demand for advanced coating technologies to support Africa’s expanding infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing sectors.
Speaking at the conference, Mr. Gaijes highlighted the key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the coil coating industry. These include the need for enhanced UV and weather resistance to withstand intense sunlight and harsh climatic conditions, superior corrosion protection for coastal and industrial environments, improved scratch and mechanical damage resistance, performance-to-cost optimisation, and future-ready coating technologies that support sustainable construction practices and environmental compliance.
He also outlined Nippon Paint’s future focus areas, including research and development of non-metallic substrate coatings and value-added technology innovation projects to enhance product performance and expand application possibilities.
Commenting on the industry outlook, Mr Gaijes said, “As infrastructure and industrial development continue to accelerate across emerging markets, the role of advanced coating technologies is becoming increasingly important. The industry is looking for solutions that deliver long-term durability, sustainability, and performance while meeting evolving environmental and operational requirements. Innovation and customer collaboration will remain critical in shaping the next generation of coating solutions.”
The Coil Coating & Sandwich Panel Conference 2026 brought together manufacturers, coating specialists, steel producers, technology providers, and industry stakeholders to discuss emerging trends, innovations, and growth opportunities within the coil coating and sandwich panel sectors.
As part of Nippon Paint’s commitment to the African market, the company has strengthened its regional presence through Nippon Paint Kenya, which serves as a strategic hub for its expansion across East Africa and the wider continent. To support increasing demand for specialised coating solutions, Nippon Paint has established a dedicated Coil Coating Plant in Mombasa, Kenya, serving steel and metal processing industries across the region.
Backed by a robust supply network across Africa, Nippon Paint provides reliable access to advanced coil coating and industrial coating solutions while ensuring faster deliveries and enhanced customer support. Leveraging its Japanese technology and global expertise, the company continues to support the region’s industrial and infrastructure development initiatives.