The automotive industry is emerging as a central pillar of Africa’s industrialisation agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area, with policymakers and industry leaders identifying the sector as critical to building regional value chains, expanding manufacturing capacity and creating jobs.
The sector is among five strategic industries prioritised under the AfCFTA Value Chain Development Programme, reflecting efforts to deepen intra-African trade and reduce dependence on imported vehicles and components.
At the Biashara Afrika 2026 conference, a session titled “Driving Africa’s Automotive Future through AfCFTA” brought together business executives and trade stakeholders to discuss how the continent can position itself as a competitive automotive manufacturing hub.
Mr. Tarek Ismail Moaasaad, Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Motor Company Middle East and Africa, said the automaker is looking beyond vehicle production in Africa by supporting technical skills development, capacity building and investments designed to strengthen the continent’s automotive value chain.
The discussion highlighted growing interest among global automakers in Africa’s long-term manufacturing potential as governments seek to develop local assembly plants, component production and electric vehicle ecosystems.
Participants at the forum said stronger partnerships between governments, manufacturers and training institutions would be necessary to address infrastructure gaps, workforce shortages and supply chain constraints that continue to limit the sector’s growth.
The dialogue also noted the role of innovation and workforce development in helping African economies capture greater value from the global automotive industry.
