Africa -China Review Africa -China Cooperation and Transformation
By Staff writer
Africa has experienced a transformative shift in its automotive industry, largely driven by the growing presence of electric vehicles (EVs) from Chinese manufacturers. Brands like Build Your Dream (BYD), Changan, BAIC, and NETA Auto are leading a new wave of mobility on the continent, offering affordable, sustainable, and increasingly accessible transportation options. Their growing footprint is a result of strategic partnerships, price-sensitive product offerings, and the rising demand for greener alternatives amid high fuel costs and pollution concerns in African cities.
Among the popular brands is BYD, one of China’s leading EV manufacturers. In Kenya, BYD has partnered with BasiGo and Associated Vehicle Assemblers to locally produce electric buses. These buses are already operational in Nairobi, helping to reduce emissions and improve air quality in one of Africa’s busiest capitals. This partnership supports Kenya’s green mobility strategy, which aims to decarbonize its public transport system. BYD is also active in South Africa, where its Atto 3 and Dolphin models have entered the private EV market. These models are gaining traction among urban consumers looking for sustainable personal vehicles. According to the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa, electric vehicle sales increased by 48% in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reflecting a growing shift in consumer preferences.
Affordability plays a key role in the success of Chinese EVs in Africa. Many African consumers are price-sensitive, and Chinese brands have successfully introduced models that are much cheaper than their Western counterparts. For instance, Enviro Automotive recently introduced the Dayun Yuehu, a compact four-seater electric SUV, in South Africa. Priced under $22,000, it is among the most affordable EVs in the country. This model is particularly appealing to middle-income buyers who want a reliable and eco-friendly vehicle without the high price tag usually associated with EVs.
Beyond cars, Chinese manufacturers are also making strides in the two-wheeler and commercial vehicle sectors. In Rwanda, BYD has collaborated with Kigali-based startup Ampersand to electrify the country’s commercial motorcycle fleet. Ampersand aims to build approximately 40,000 electric motorcycles by the end of 2026, using BYD’s lithium-ion battery technology. These motorcycles are not only cheaper to operate than gasoline-powered bikes but are also being assembled locally, creating job opportunities and reducing Rwanda’s dependence on imported fuel.
Manufacturing and local assembly have become critical components of Chinese EV companies’ strategies in Africa. In Egypt, BAIC Group has partnered with local firm Alkan Auto to set up a production plant with an annual capacity of 20,000 EVs, aiming to increase that to 50,000 units within five years. This initiative taps into Egypt’s low labor costs and strategic location, positioning the country as a future export hub for electric vehicles across North Africa and the Middle East.
However, despite these promising developments, challenges remain. Many African countries still face limitations such as unreliable electricity supplies, sparse charging infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled technicians capable of servicing electric vehicles. Ethiopia, for instance, recently banned the import of gasoline-powered private vehicles in an effort to promote EV adoption. However, the country has struggled to provide adequate charging stations or ensure a stable power supply, both of which are critical for the success of EVs. Without significant investment in energy infrastructure and workforce training, such policies may fall short of their intended impact.
Nevertheless, the overall outlook is positive. As African nations continue to embrace renewable energy and cleaner mobility solutions, Chinese EV manufacturers are well-positioned to dominate the market. Their competitive pricing, willingness to invest in local partnerships, and tailored offerings for African conditions make them key players in the continent’s transportation future. With continued government support, infrastructure development, and consumer education, Chinese electric vehicles could accelerate Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy and redefine how millions of people move across the continent.
