BYD enters Africa’s largest market

• BYD is rapidly expanding its presence in Africa, where it is now in nearly a dozen countries following its entry into Nigeria. The carmaker is also in Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Madagascar, Senegal, Morocco, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Ethiopia and Rwanda.  

• However, BYD’s EVs can be found in many more African countries even where the company does not have official dealerships. This is because as the world’s second-largest EV manufacturer after the US’s Tesla, its vehicles are in high demand especially as the company is now making some of the cheapest EVs available anywhere in the world. 

• Our take: No other EV manufacturer has nearly as much presence as BYD in Africa. Further, it does not look like BYD’s rapid expansion on the continent will stop anytime soon, meaning the carmaker is set to define Africa’s EV landscape for years to come… Read more (2 min)

China’s Jiangling Motors Corporation makes Kenya debut

• The entry of JMC brings the number of Caetano brands to five, making it one of Kenya’s largest motor vehicle dealers. Caetano is also the official dealer for Kia, Hyundai, Ford and Renault in Kenya. These firms have a strong lineup of EVs, with Hyundai’s Kona, Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 especially popular.  Kia’s EV6, EV9 and Nero also have significant traction in the global market.   

• JMC has made its Kenya debut with the Vigus Pro double-cabin pick-up, Vigus Plus single-cabin pick-up and N720 Carrying Plus truck. It is expected that the all-electric EV2, EV3 and Elight models will follow based on demand in the country. 

• Our take: While Japanese car brands have traditionally dominated Kenya’s fuel-powered motor vehicles market, Chinese companies appear set to dominate the local EV market… Read more (2 min)

Spiro’s production in Uganda to begin in June

• Just last week, the company inaugurated a similar facility in Nairobi (see the image above), dedicated to producing both chargers and electric motors. With this move, Spiro is redefining local manufacturing, pioneering a closed-loop supply chain that strengthens East Africa’s electric mobility ecosystem. 

• East Africa is emerging as the leading market for electric motorcycles, outpacing West Africa in adoption and infrastructure. Despite its initial focus elsewhere, Spiro has made significant investments in the region—raising the question of whether it is positioning itself to dominate the East African market.

• Our take: Players like Zembo, Gogo Electric and others will need to diversify and innovate to stay ahead of the pressure Spiro is bringing to the market… Read more (2 min)__________/