Rates are for a painted surface
The list prices paint by the square metre of finished surface: the paint and the painter's labour. The latest list says the rates are without scaffolding.
- Plastic paint (water based emulsion) is the standard wall paint: ETB 222.76 per m² inside and ETB 226.12 per m² outside, for three coats.
- Oil (synthetic) paint resists water and washing, so it suits kitchens, bathrooms and corridors: ETB 321.32 per m².
- Enamel on metal is one coat of antirust and two coats of enamel for doors, windows and grills: ETB 285.81 per m².
- Varnish is for wooden doors and frames: ETB 339.76 per m².
- Quartz paint is a textured coat for outer walls: ETB 857.39 per m².
How much wall is there to paint
As a rough rule, the wall and ceiling area of a home is about 3.5 times its floor area. A 75 square metre unit has about 260 square metres to paint, less the tiled walls.
The price over time
Plastic paint on an internal wall went from ETB 110.26 in 2016 E.C. Q1 (Jul to Sep 2023) to ETB 222.76 per m², a change of +102%.
The rates are direct cost only. The bureau tells users to add overhead (up to 10 percent of direct cost for contractors of grade 3 and above) and profit (7 to 13 percent, by project size). VAT of 15 percent comes on top.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to paint a wall in Ethiopia per square metre?
The official Addis Ababa rate for three coats of plastic paint on an internal wall is ETB 222.76 per m², without VAT, for 2018 E.C. Q4 (Apr to Jun 2026).
How much does quartz paint cost in Ethiopia?
The official rate for quartz paint on a plastered surface is ETB 857.39 per m², without VAT.
How much has the price of plastic paint on an internal wall changed in Addis Ababa?
The official rate moved from ETB 110.26 in 2016 E.C. Q1 (Jul to Sep 2023) to ETB 222.76 per m² in 2018 E.C. Q4 (Apr to Jun 2026). That is a change of +102%.
Sources
- Addis Ababa City Administration Design and Construction Works Bureau: construction works direct cost, 2018 E.C. Q4
- Addis Ababa City Administration Design and Construction Works Bureau: construction works direct cost, 2018 E.C. Q2
- Addis Ababa City Administration Design and Construction Works Bureau: construction works direct cost, 2017 E.C. Q4
- Addis Ababa City Administration Design and Construction Works Bureau: construction works direct cost, 2017 E.C. Q3
- Addis Ababa City Administration Design and Construction Works Bureau: construction works direct cost, 2017 E.C. Q2
- Addis Ababa City Administration Design and Construction Works Bureau: construction works direct cost, 2017 E.C. Q1
- Addis Ababa City Administration Design and Construction Works Bureau: construction works direct cost, 2016 E.C. Q4
- Addis Ababa City Administration Design and Construction Works Bureau: construction works direct cost, 2016 E.C. Q3
- Addis Ababa City Administration Design and Construction Works Bureau: construction works direct cost, 2016 E.C. Q2
- Addis Ababa City Administration Design and Construction Works Bureau: construction works direct cost, 2016 E.C. Q1
These prices are reference figures for a budget. They are not a quote. Prices change every week, so get a written price from a supplier before you buy.