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The world’s largest automaker targets African EV market

August 19, 2025

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Toyota, the world’s largest motor vehicle manufacturer, is set to launch electric vehicles in Africa for the first time. The company plans to introduce three fully-electric models in South Africa in 2026. Toyota currently only sells hybrid electric vehicles in South Africa, but leads with a 67% market share for hybrids and plug-in hybrids with models like its Corolla Cross. 

  • Toyota has five models in its Beyond Zero (bZ) all-electric lineup namely the bZ3, bZ4X, bZ5, bZ Small Crossover, and bZ SUV which is in concept stage. The first model to be released was the Toyota bZ4X, a mid-size SUV.

  • Volvo currently dominates EV sales in South Africa, followed by BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but Chinese EV makers are starting to flood the market too as they seek new markets amid restrictions on exports to the US and Europe. 

  • Our take: If the price is right, Toyota’s EVs can compete effectively with established brands in South Africa, including bestseller Volvo… Read more (2 min)

Africa’s top 25 electric mobility companies have increased their workforce by 4.4% in the last one month, according to an analysis of LinkedIn data by Mobility Rising. It shows that 4,006 individuals on the platform work at these companies, a steady increase from 3,837 last month. Tesla contributed the most to the growth as it accelerates recruitment on the continent. 

  • The companies we analysed are Tesla, BYD, Spiro, Ampersand, Max, BasiGo, MellowVans, Rubicon, Mbay Mobility, Kiira Motors Corporation, Blu EV, Zembo, Charge, Roam Electric, Shift EV and Dodai. Others are Gogo Electric, Kofa, ARC Ride, Solar Taxi, Kabisa, Saglev, Wahu Mobility, EVTech and eMo Mobility. 

  • The hiring highlights the sector’s continuous rapid growth trajectory, with our analysis revealing that the companies have added 1,430 staff to their workforce over the last 12 months.  

  • Our take: The ability to acquire great talent is a key differentiator of companies that succeed in an increasingly competitive sector… Read more (2 min)

The availability of affordable financing contributes more to EV adoption than local manufacturing, says Branton Mutea, the Deputy Country Manager of Mogo Kenya, an asset financier. The adoption of electric cars and motorcycles in Kenya is growing, where they are mainly used as taxis. But access to financing is limited, and interest rates remain high. 

  • In Kenya, asset financiers are playing a key role, with taxi operators able to access electric motorcycles through long repayment periods and lease-to-own options, with deposits starting at about $200 for new models and $115 for second-hand ones.

  • Access to affordable consumer financing in Africa is giving riders more predictable and stable incomes, says Mr Mutea. At the same time, it is helping to reduce reliance on costly imported fuel.

  • Click here to read the full opinion… Read more (2 min)

TankVolt COO Jack Liu (centre) meets Mr. Magati Kwamesa (left), Director of E-Boda at Lconic Fusion Limited

Events

📅 Register for Africa E-Mobility Alliance live Q&A (Aug 27)

📅 Attend the Uganda’s E-Mobility Expo (Sept 18)

📅 Secure your spot at the Futuroad Expo in South Africa (Oct 28)

Jobs

⚖️ Join Mogo Kenya as a Senior legal Officer (Kenya)

👩🏻‍💼 Become an Asset and Inventory Manager at Zembo (Uganda)

👨🏻‍💼 Apply for a Recovery Supervisor’s role at MAX (Nigeria)

Various 

🤝 Orbit Electric set to partner with Yourrider Energy and Nearpays in Nigeria

👍 Volvo SA Managing Director affirms the brands EV future in the country

🥳 MAX celebrates 10 years of operation

Seen on LinkedIn 

Solomon Akinrinbola, New Cities Expansion Manager at Gigmile, says, “In the race to electrify Nigeria, too many OEMs are focused on building shiny EVs, rolling out swap stations, or hiring in-house tech teams. But they’re overlooking one of the single most powerful distribution and support networks already in place: Local mechanics serving commercial riders.”