Chinese firms shine at Auto Expo Africa

Under the gleaming lights of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, a landmark in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, streams of visitors moved from booth to booth at the 26th Auto Expo Africa, pausing to examine cutting-edge automobile parts, accessories, and energy solutions.

Desmond Kabugi, a motor vehicle parts dealer from Nyeri in central Kenya, navigated the crowded aisle lined with products in search of quality and affordable products to meet the needs of his clientele. “Chinese manufacturers have emerged as a reliable source of innovative products for my business,” Kabugi said, stopping at the booth of China’s Guangzhou KaijiePower Supply Industrial Co., Ltd., which displayed a wide array of batteries tailored for trucks, buses, and motorcycles. Charlotte Ho, sales executive at the Chinese firm, said their battery solutions are engineered to meet the unique demands of African roads and climatic conditions.

Like Kaijie, Chinese automotive firms drew strong interest at this year’s expo, which ran from Wednesday to Friday and attracted more than 100 exhibitors from over 30 countries. Among the standout pavilions was that of China’s Xiamen Songli New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., known for its sealed lead-acid batteries. Yumi Liu, sales manager at Songli, said that his company’s products are built for durability and minimal maintenance. “Our energy solutions are tailored to meet the needs of both urban and rural mobility in Africa. 

We see great potential in Kenya and the wider East African market,” he said. For many local entrepreneurs, the expo offered valuable opportunities to connect directly with manufacturers.

An exhibitor (C), attends to a visitor at his stand during the Auto Expo International Trade Exhibition in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on May 28, 2025. (Photo by Charles Onyango/Xinhua)

Kevin Mahinda, who runs a garage in MachakosCounty, welcomed the chance to explore a wide range of car accessories. “I am always looking for motor vehicle parts that can help me grow my business and Chinese booths have the variety and pricing I am after,” Mahinda said. Benson Lekolool, a car enthusiast, was drawn to the sleek electric scooters displayed by Yongkang Aijiu Industry and Trade Co., Ltd., which are gaining popularity among Kenya’s urban population seeking greener mobility options. Lekolool observed that these Chinese e-bikes are bridging a gap in the green mobility sector through developing and recruiting local after-sales support and network.   

Mvin Kioko, an automotive engineer at a local car assembly plant, praised the lubricants and fluids from PetroKing Petroleum Hebei Co., Ltd., including brake fluids and engine coolants. Their products are well-formulated to protect engines under the harsh driving conditions typical on Kenyan roads, Kiokonoted. Simon Yan, general manager of PetroKing, said the company employs advanced technology to develop high-performance lubricants designed for extreme conditions. 

Xinhua