Why global automakers produce in Africa

November 13, 2025

Dear subscriber,

If you see an electric car in Africa, chances are that it was made in China. With demand growing rapidly, foreign automakers are increasingly shifting production to the continent to cut costs. But is the continent ready?

Brian Ambani – Editor

Chinese automaker BAIC has announced that it will start production of the new B30 off-road SUV fuel and hybrid models at its Eastern Cape factory in South Africa starting in 2026 using a completely knocked-down production process. BAIC also makes the fully electric EU5 and EU5 Plus cars but has not put a timeline on when it will start assembling them locally. 

  • BAIC joins foreign automakers like Chery, EKA, GAC, MAN, Volvo among others that are investing in local production of new energy vehicles to meet rising demand. The aim is to cut costs and tailor products to the African market.  

  • Like South Africa did more than two decades ago, more African countries are also beginning to ban or phase out used car imports, forcing demand for locally assembled or new affordable EVs.

  • Our take: Moving from assembly to manufacturing would be key for Africa-made EVs to become globally competitive… Read more (2 min)

Consumer prices in the electric mobility sector have increased by 0.35% in the past month as measured by the change in prices in a representative basket of products tracked by Mobility Rising. They include relevant vehicle categories, consumer financing costs and charging prices. The data is collected by our analysts in East, West, North and southern Africa. 

  • The Mobility Rising Price Index increased from 1,111.16 in October to 1,115.08 in November. It marks a slowdown in the sector’s price rally, which hit 11.38% in the previous month.   

  • This month’s increase was driven by a steady rise in vehicle prices in Nigeria, while prices in Kenya, Egypt and South Africa remained stable.  

  • Our take: Expect financing and charging costs to remain steady, but vehicle prices may be volatile… Read more (2 min)

We feature 30 new jobs across the sector this week. Mogo commands almost half of all listings with roles in Kenya and Uganda. Other active recruiters in East Africa include M-Kopa, Zeno, Ampersand, Boda Guy, Dodai and Drivelectric. West Africa stays vibrant with MAX and CIG Motors, while Zeekr and Balancell represent North and southern Africa respectively.

  • Sales, customer service and marketing roles account for 14 openings, making them the most common. Technical and engineering positions follow with six roles, mainly in software, charging and vehicle operations. 

  • Over the past three weeks, Africa’s e-mobility sector has seen job openings rise from 22 to 27 per week, and now 30. Both new companies and existing recruiters are hiring, reflecting the industry’s growth and demand for talent.

  • Click here to apply for a new role… (2 min)

Waga Motion’s CEO Gibson Kawago delivers a speech after winning the Global Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award 2025 (Source: Gibson Kawago)

Events

📅 Attend EV & Mobility Show in Morocco (Nov 19)

📅 Attend South Africa’s automotive value chains webinar (Nov 26)

📅 Pitch at AfriArena Grand Summit in South Africa (Dec 2)

Various 

🥳 Roam celebrates one of its earliest motorcycles to hit 127,000 km on the road

💯 Expect quality EV imports as China starts EV crack down on exports

📝 Eswatini studies Kenya’s progress on electric mobility

Seen on LinkedIn 

Flora Limukii, Head of Communications at Spiro, says, “The key to unlocking the EV revolution in Africa is greatly dependent on access to finance and progressive policy frameworks.”