By Moses Akaigwe
The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) is accelerating its efforts to strengthen industrialisation and grow Africa’s automotive value chain with the appointment of a new Project Manager.
Based at the AAAM Johannesburg office, the role will focus on expanding manufacturing of components for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) assembly and the aftermarket on the continent.
Cabral Ngubane assumed the position on July 1, 2025.
“We are delighted to welcome Cabral to the AAAM team and congratulate him on his appointment. His role will be instrumental in unlocking growth opportunities for component manufacturing and trade both regionally and across the African continent,” said Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, CEO of AAAM.
“This will support the development of competitive automotive value chains, serving both OEM assembly and the replacement parts sector.”
Backhaus-Jerling added that the expansion of the AAAM team reflects its commitment to facilitating complementary vehicle and component manufacturing across Africa, in alignment with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Component manufacturing is a critical pillar of the auto value chain. We aim to foster stronger partnerships between existing OEM suppliers and new entrants from across the AfCFTA region seeking access to both OEM and aftermarket supply chains.”
She further highlighted that close collaboration with industry associations, business chambers, government bodies, regulatory authorities, and AAAM members and donors, will be central to the success of this role.
Commenting on his appointment, Ngubane said: “I’m honoured to join AAAM at such a
pivotal time. I look forward to contributing to the development and sustainable growth of Africa’s automotive industry.”
Ngubane previously served as Director and Engineer at AziB Manufacturing Technologies.
He has also held senior roles, including Production Manager at L&J Tools and Engineering Works, and Quality and Productivity Manager at Toyota South Africa Motors. He holds a BSc
in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
AAAM has a presence across the continent, with offices in Ghana supporting West Africa, Tunisia focusing on growth in North Africa, and South Africa overseeing initiatives in East And Southern Africa.
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About AAAM:
The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) is a nonprofit organisation
dedicated to advancing the automotive industrialization and growth of Africa, while
connecting global stakeholders with interests in the continent. AAAM focuses on developing
robust automotive frameworks, ecosystems, and strategies that drive economic development
and support the automotive industrial agenda across Africa. The association provides
strategic advice on national and inter-regional trade policies to support regional
industrialisation and foster economic integration.
AAAM’s mission is to create sustainable and affordable mobility solutions, facilitate strategic
linkages and partnerships, and develop regional automotive value chains that promote
production and trade within and beyond the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
AAAM is also committed to championing access to affordable financing for both the
automotive industry and consumers.
Today, AAAM proudly represents a network of 80 members spanning the continent, working