The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), in partnership with Afreximbank and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, has launched the Industrial Policy Executive Short Course (ESC) to accelerate the development of Africa’s automotive sector.
The programme, launched at the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is designed to empower senior government officials across Africa.
It aims to unlock opportunities in automotive production, enhance affordable mobility solutions, and drive industrial development.
Backed by major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Volkswagen Group Africa, Isuzu Motors South Africa, and Toyota South Africa Motors, the ESC aligns with AfCFTA’s vision for regional economic transformation through industrialisation.
Themba Khumalo, Senior Advisor on Regional Value Chains to the AfCFTA Secretary General, described the course as a key capacity-building initiative for the AfCFTA Automotive Task Force, supporting the effective implementation of policies and strategies for the industry.
Dr. Gainmore Zanamwe, Director of Trade Facilitation and Investment at Afreximbank, emphasized the Bank’s support, saying; “Afreximbank envisions a thriving African automotive industry driving economic growth and job creation. This course is an important step in building local capacity and finalizing key policies like rules of origin within the automotive value chain.”
However, Nobuhle Rengqe, Chair of AAAM’s Skills Development Working Group and Corporate Planning Executive at Isuzu Motors SA, noted that the ESC aims to bridge knowledge gaps and support the long-term growth of the sector.
He said; “our goal is to host this programme annually across Africa’s five regions in collaboration with local institutions.”
Further, the pilot edition includes 26 senior government officials from 19 African countries. Over nine weeks, participants will explore topics such as technology trends, localisation strategies, regional value chains, and industrial policy.
The programme also includes site visits to top manufacturing hubs in Durban and Gqeberha, including Toyota SA Motors, VW Group Africa, and Isuzu Motors SA.
Andrew Kirby, President & CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors, praised the initiative, saying, “this course is a critical step toward building policy frameworks that attract investment and create sustainable jobs. It showcases that Africa can benchmark with itself, because the expertise already exists on the continent.”
Nonetheless, AAAM, Afreximbank, the African Union, and the AfCFTA Secretariat will co-host the Africa Automotive Show (AAS) in September at the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) in Algiers, Algeria.
The event will showcase Africa’s growing automotive sector and facilitate policy discussions on enhancing local production and regional integration.
