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By Moses Akaigwe
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), Victoria Backhaus-Jerling presents a hope-raising outlook for the continent’s automotive landscape, declaring 2026 a year of “Progressive development through collaboration.”
As we enter the new year, I would like to extend my best wishes to you for a successful and fulfilling 2026.
The beginning of a new year presents an important opportunity to reflect on our progress while setting a clear and purposeful direction for the months ahead.
As we step into 2026, I trust that you are energized, inspired and ready to continue shaping a strong and sustainable future for Africa’s automotive industry – together.
In 2025, we deliberately positioned the year as one of Collaboration and Inclusivity. Through our collective efforts, we achieved meaningful progress and strengthened partnerships across the value chain.
Now, as we enter 2026, we proudly declare this the year of “Progressive development through collaboration.”
This is the year where momentum turns into measurable outcomes.
In 2026, AAAM will focus on several strategic priorities, building on the successful establishment of our North Africa office in 2025. This strategic presence strengthens our continental footprint, enhances engagement with regional stakeholders, and reinforces North Africa’s integral role within Africa’s automotive and industrial value chains.
AAAM will focus on several strategic priorities.
First, unlocking intra-African trade through the ratification of the automotive Rules of Origin under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In February, Heads of State are expected to formally adopt the 40 percent African originating content threshold – an important milestone that will allow automotive products to begin trading under the AfCFTA framework.
We will work closely with Afreximbank, the AfCFTA Secretariat and African governments to support our members through expert guidance and implementation.
Second, accelerating automotive policy implementation across the continent. We will support the rollout and refinement of automotive policies in Egypt, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Senegal, Tanzania, Algeria and continue engaging new markets such as Angola. Policy certainty remains the foundation of sustainable industrialisation.
Third, advancing component manufacturing and localisation. Our objective is to secure at least five concrete component manufacturing investments in Africa, driven by targeted matchmaking, feasibility studies and strategic partnerships.
Fourth, sustainability and new energy technologies. We will advance work on re-manufacturing, alternative powertrains, micromobility solutions and enabling legislation that supports the full spectrum of New Energy Vehicle technologies. Our objective is to achieve broad policy inclusion across African countries and to promote greater regional alignment, reflecting the growing importance of micromobility as a key component of sustainable and accessible transport systems.
Fifth, automotive data and market intelligence. AAAM will continue to source, develop and provide reliable automotive data and statistics across the continent. Accurate, credible data remains critical for informed policymaking, investment decisions and tracking the progress of Africa’s automotive industrialisation.
Sixth, skills development. We will continue building capacity across government and industry through the second cohort of the Government Executive Short Course and the launch of an Industry Executive Short Course – ensuring Africa’s automotive future is powered by skilled people.
Seventh, mineral beneficiation and value-chain integration. As a strategic partner to the 2026 Mining Indaba, AAAM will help connect Africa’s mineral wealth to automotive manufacturing opportunities, strengthening a truly pan-African value chain.
And finally, affordable mobility. Through collaboration with vehicle asset-financing stakeholders, we will continue working toward accessible, sustainable mobility solutions for Africans.
All of these initiatives are underpinned by a single commitment: to deliver greater impact for our members and stakeholders, strengthen collaboration and deepen partnerships that accelerate sustainable industrial growth across the continent.
As always, I invite you to follow AAAM on LinkedIn and stay connected to our journey.
Here’s to a bold, united and impactful 2026 – a year of Progressive development through collaboration.
● Backhaus-Jerling is the CEO, African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM).
