African Auto Makers Roll Out 2026 Industry Growth Plan
Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, Chief Executive Officer of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), has announced 2026 as the year of “Progressive Development through Collaboration,” unveiling a strategy aimed at turning policy agreements into tangible growth across Africa’s automotive sector.
At the centre of the strategy is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), especially the long-awaited Automotive Rules of Origin. African leaders are expected to adopt a 40% African content threshold for automotive products in February, defining what qualifies as “African-made” for tariff benefits.
These rules are meant to encourage local parts production, attract assembly plants and reduce dependence on used vehicle imports. Negotiations have been slow due to differences between countries with established industries, such as South Africa and those still developing theirs. AAAM plans to work with the AfCFTA Secretariat, Afreximbank and national governments to guide members through implementation once the rules are adopted.
Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, said 2026 would be the year when “momentum turns into measurable outcomes”, calling on governments, investors and industry players to work more closely.
Alongside trade, AAAM is pushing for stronger automotive policies in key markets. It will support policy roll-out and reform in Egypt, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Senegal, Tanzania and Algeria, while expanding engagement to new markets such as Angola. The association argues that clear and stable policy remains the foundation for attracting long-term investment.
On manufacturing, AAAM has set a target of securing at least five new component manufacturing investments in 2026. The initiative will involve linking investors with local opportunities, conducting feasibility studies and building strategic partnerships to strengthen local supply chains and deepen Africa’s industrial capacity.
Sustainability and technology are also at the heart of the association’s agenda. AAAM plans to promote re-manufacturing, alternative powertrains, and New Energy Vehicles, while advocating for broader policy support and regional alignment. The association also sees micromobility solutions, such as electric two- and three-wheelers, as a practical means of providing affordable and sustainable urban transport across African cities.
Data and skills development remain key pillars of the strategy. AAAM said it will continue to provide market intelligence to guide investment and policy decisions, alongside expanding training programs and executive short courses for government officials and industry leaders to strengthen expertise across the sector.
AAAM revealed that is also working to link Africa’s mineral resources directly to automotive manufacturing through its partnership with the 2026 Mining Indaba, promoting mineral beneficiation and the creation of regional value chains that can support the continent’s industrial ambitions.
AAAM emphasized that affordable mobility is a social priority and is partnering with vehicle financing institutions to help
