AAAM Elects Tarek Mosaad as New President for 2026-2028

The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) has confirmed its office bearers and Advisory Board for the 2026 to 2028 term, as the continent's automotive industry moves to translate policy commitments into concrete industrial outcomes.

Tarek Mosaad, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Motor Middle East and Africa, has been elected President of AAAM. He succeeds Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa, who led the association through the previous term.

Mosaad assumes the role at a pivotal moment. In February 2026, African heads of state are expected to formally adopt the 40% African-originating content threshold for automotive rules of origin under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – a milestone that will allow automotive products to begin trading under the framework. This follows the conclusion of negotiations on automotive rules of origin in 2025, providing clarity for manufacturers and investors.

Tarek Mossad

AAAM has positioned 2026 as a year of "progressive development through collaboration", with a focus on moving from policy development to implementation. The association is prioritising the rollout and refinement of automotive policies in countries including Egypt, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Senegal, Tanzania and Algeria, while engaging new markets such as Angola.

Mosaad will be supported by five vice-presidents representing Africa's key automotive regions and the component-manufacturing sector. The newly elected office bearers are:

- President: Tarek Mosaad, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Middle East and Africa
- Vice-President: North Africa: Ankush Arora, Chief Executive Officer, Al Mansour Automotive
- Vice-President: East Africa: Serge Kamuhinda, Chief Executive Officer, Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda
- Vice-President: West Africa: Kassem Odaymat, Chief Operating Officer, Rana Motors
- Vice-President: Southern Africa: Billy Tom, President, Isuzu Motors South Africa
- Vice-President: Components: Dr Markus Thill, President: Africa Region, Bosch

An Egyptian national with more than two decades of international automotive leadership experience, Mosaad became the first Arab and African executive to lead Hyundai Motor Company's Middle East and Africa Regional Headquarters in January 2026. He oversees operations across 57 markets, including several where Hyundai is expanding its manufacturing footprint.

Mosaad's recent engagement with AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene in Dubai underscored the growing alignment between industry and continental institutions. The meeting focused on recent progress within the AfCFTA Rules of Origin framework, particularly those impacting the automotive sector.

AAAM Chief Executive Officer Victoria Backhaus-Jerling said the incoming leadership's collective experience would strengthen the association's work across the continent.

"AAAM welcomes the election of Tarek Mosaad and the incoming vice-presidents. Their experience across Africa's diverse automotive markets will be invaluable as we work with governments, development institutions and industry partners to move from policy development towards implementation," said Backhaus-Jerling.

"Our priority remains to support the development of coherent automotive policies, deepen localisation, attract investment and strengthen regional production and trade under the AfCFTA."

Mosaad said Africa presented significant opportunities for automotive growth, but realising this potential would require greater alignment between governments, manufacturers, suppliers, financiers and development partners.

AAAM has also constituted an Advisory Board to provide institutional continuity, regional insight and strategic guidance. The board comprises:

- Immediate Past President: Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director, Volkswagen Group Africa
- Past President: Mike Whitfield, Managing Director, Stellantis South Africa
- Southern Africa representative: Bronwyn Kilpatrick, Senior Vice-President: Corporate, Toyota South Africa
- West Africa representative: Jeffrey Peprah, Chief Executive Officer, Volkswagen Ghana
- North Africa representative: Dr Ahmed Fikry, Managing Director, East Port Said and Egyptian German Automotive

Reflecting on her term as AAAM President, Biene thanked the association's members, partners and secretariat for their support, reaffirming her commitment to AAAM through her new role as Immediate Past President.

AAAM's membership has grown from 17 members in 2020 to more than 80 today, reflecting the association's expanding role in shaping Africa's automotive future. The association has strengthened its continental footprint with the launch of a dedicated North Africa office in Tunisia and keeps offices in Ghana, South Africa and Kenya.

In 2025, AAAM launched an Industrial Policy Executive Short Course in partnership with Afreximbank and the AfCFTA Secretariat, bringing together senior policymakers to strengthen capabilities in industrial policy design, regional value chains and localisation. A second cohort is planned for 2026, alongside the launch of an Industry Executive Short Course.

AAAM also played a leading role at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025), convening its Africa Automotive Forum to elevate the visibility of the continent's emerging automotive industry.

The association's priorities for 2026 include securing at least five concrete component manufacturing investments in Africa, advancing work on new energy technologies and building capacity across government and industry. AAAM is also working to strengthen collaboration between the mining and automotive sectors, recognising that electrification is accelerating demand for high-grade copper in wiring harnesses, power electronics and mechatronic systems.

As Africa's population is projected to exceed 2,5-billion by 2050, with rapid urbanisation and a growing middle class driving demand for affordable mobility, the continent is increasingly viewed as the world's last automotive frontier.

For more information visit https://aaamafrica.com/

https://bit.ly/4xVqSol

Africa Automotive: Electric Vehicle Growth - BYD Focuses on South Africa

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is pursuing a manufacturing strategy in South Africa that centres on battery production rather than local vehicle assembly, a move that distinguishes its approach from competitors operating in the country’s automotive sector.

The world’s largest producer of battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles has signalled  its ambitions in South Africa extend well beyond the showroom floor. Executives from the company outlined this direction during the July launch of a financial services joint venture with Absa, indicating the group views the country as a potential manufacturing hub for the technology that underpins its global operations.

BYD’s origins as a battery manufacturer, long before it became a leading name in electric mobility, inform this strategy. Establishing production facilities in South Africa would allow the company to draw on that technical expertise while supplying not only the local electric vehicle market but also energy storage systems and possibly other industrial sectors.

The policy environment in South Africa appears to be moving in a direction that could support such investment. Government has revised its Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy and is proposing changes to automotive incentives that would allow up to half the value of critical minerals sourced from Southern Africa to count as local value addition in electric vehicle battery manufacturing. These measures are designed both to encourage regional processing of minerals and to attract battery producers.

Should BYD proceed with local battery manufacturing, the company could reduce its dependence on imported components while benefiting from existing and future incentive schemes.

The broader market for electrified vehicles in South Africa continues to expand rapidly. Sales data from Naamsa for June 2026 show that new energy vehicle registrations more than doubled year on year, reaching 3 045 units, a 104,2% increase from the 1 491 units sold in June 2025. These vehicles accounted for 6% of the 51 508 new light vehicles sold during the month, meaning roughly one in every 17 new light passenger vehicles was electrified.

Joubert Roux, co-founder and chair of Zero Carbon Charge, said the figures pointed to a sustained trend rather than a temporary spike. "Electric mobility is moving beyond early adopters and becoming an increasingly mainstream choice for South African consumers and businesses," he said.

For the first half of 2026, new energy vehicle sales totalled 13 193 units, comprising 6 667 hybrid electric vehicles, 4 623 plug-in hybrids and 1 903 battery electric vehicles. In June alone, traditional hybrids led with 1 488 units, representing 48,9% of the segment, followed by plug-in hybrids with 990 units and a 32,5% share, while battery electric vehicles recorded 419 units or 13,8%.

The market continues to follow a technology-diverse trajectory rather than shifting directly to full battery electric models, reflecting considerations around affordability, charging infrastructure and consumer driving habits. Naamsa supports a technology-neutral policy framework that allows manufacturers and consumers to choose between different low-emission and zero-emission technologies, arguing that such an approach supports consumer choice, investment and industrial competitiveness.

Naamsa interim chief executive Shinny Gobiyeza said the domestic automotive market was adapting to changing economic conditions and consumer preferences. "The continued growth in domestic vehicle sales, coupled with record levels of new energy vehicle adoption, demonstrates the resilience of South Africa's automotive industry," she said. "While export markets remain under pressure from global economic conditions, the domestic market continues to provide an important foundation for industry growth."

Lower entry prices for electric vehicles are supporting the trend. The most affordable new electric vehicle in South Africa cost close to R800 000 in 2023, but several current models are now priced below R520 000. The Geely E2 Aspire enters at R339 900, followed by the BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort at R341 900, with the Chery Q expected to launch in September from R350 000.

According to Roux, these lower price points are changing the financial calculus for both private buyers and fleet operators. "For years the conversation was about payback periods and total cost of ownership over five or ten years," he said. "Increasingly, in some categories, electric is simply the cheaper option on day one. That changes the conversation for both fleet operators and individual buyers entirely."

Morocco’s Integrated Model Offers Contrast

While South Africa positions itself for battery investment, Morocco has moved ahead with a comprehensive approach that combines Chinese industrial capital, government support and development finance. The African Development Bank’s recent approval of a $114 million loan – equivalent to roughly R2,1-billion – for Gotion High-Tech’s gigafactory in the North African country marks one of the largest development finance commitments to an African battery manufacturing project. The funding suggests that multilateral institutions are beginning to back battery production, which could encourage similar financing for projects elsewhere on the continent.

The bank’s support follows a pattern of Chinese companies, often in partnership with other players, increasing their investment in battery materials and manufacturing alongside vehicle exports and assembly operations. In Morocco, battery component production is already advancing. Abu Dhabi-based Falcon Energy Materials has commissioned a 25 000-tonnes-per-year anode materials pilot project at Jorf Lasfar, with technical and strategic partnerships with Chinese firms including Shanghai Shanshan New Material Co. and Hensen.

In 2024, Morocco signed a R5,6-billion agreement with China’s BTR New Material Group to build a cathode materials plant in Tangier. Cobco, a Chinese-Moroccan joint venture, has opened a battery components factory expected to produce enough materials for nearly one million electric vehicles annually once fully operational.

These investments complement Morocco’s existing vehicle manufacturing sector, creating an integrated ecosystem where battery materials, components and vehicle production increasingly reinforce one another. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, in its World Investment Report 2026, identified Morocco among emerging destinations benefiting from the global expansion of electric vehicle investment, alongside Brazil, India and Thailand. The country recorded about R61,5 billion in foreign direct investment inflows in 2025, supported by continued diversification into manufacturing and automotive activities.

UNCTAD also highlighted Morocco’s renewable energy strategy as a growing advantage for attracting energy-intensive manufacturing. At Jorf Lasfar, the Cobco joint venture plans to raise the share of green electricity in its operations to 80% in 2025 and 100% by the end of 2026, while Gotion’s gigafactory in Kenitra is linked to a dedicated renewable energy supply arrangement involving a 500-megawatt wind project and 2 000 MWh of battery storage. Logistics infrastructure, particularly the Tanger Med port and zones complex, has also been cited as a key factor in converting Morocco’s geographical position into export-oriented investment.

Policy Frameworks Will Determine Winners

The contrasting approaches of Morocco and South Africa offer insights into where Africa’s battery industry is heading. Morocco shows how Chinese manufacturers, government policy and development finance can work together to establish production at scale. South Africa is seeking to create the conditions for similar investment but has yet to secure a major battery manufacturing commitment.

For other African countries hoping to move beyond vehicle assembly, the presence of mineral resources alone is unlikely to be sufficient. Building a battery industry also requires a coordinated and stable industrial policy that can attract investors and create pathways to long-term financing.

The African Development Bank’s backing of the Gotion factory suggests that development finance institutions are opening up to support battery manufacturing, rather than only electric vehicle deployment or charging infrastructure. That shift in approach could have significant implications for which countries attract industrial activity in the electric vehicle value chain and which fall behind.

Egypt Pursues Full Manufacturing Status

Egypt, meanwhile, is advancing its own ambitions to transform from a vehicle assembly hub into a full automotive manufacturing nation. Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem has held expanded discussions with the Presidential Advisory Council of Egyptian Scientists and representatives of automotive manufacturers and component suppliers, reviewing an industry development study that aims to double vehicle production over the next five years while deepening the localisation of components, particularly metal parts and vehicle bodies.

A joint committee has been formed comprising representatives from the ministry, the advisory council and manufacturers to develop an executive framework for implementing the study’s recommendations. The discussions focused on establishing an integrated automotive ecosystem linking assembly plants with domestic supply chains capable of producing components that meet international standards.

Hashem stressed that the ministry’s objective is to move beyond assembly and establish a fully integrated manufacturing industry covering every stage of the value chain. "Assembly is only one step toward making Egypt a true automotive manufacturing nation through local component production, technology localisation, and the development of a competitive industrial base capable of serving both domestic and export markets," he said.

The ministry is also coordinating with the finance ministry to launch a national vehicle scrappage and replacement programme, offering incentives to encourage citizens to replace ageing vehicles with newer, more efficient models, boosting demand for locally manufactured vehicles while generating additional scrap metal for domestic steel production.

Renewables and Logistics Underpin Morocco’s Appeal

UNCTAD noted that Morocco’s renewable energy targets and decarbonisation commitments, combined with arrangements giving firms access to dedicated renewable electricity, have helped position the country as an attractive location for battery materials and cell manufacturing. The report also pointed to the announced Sila Atlantik Cable project as an example of the growing regional dimension of investment in renewable energy, combining large-scale generation with subsea transmission infrastructure linking North Africa and Europe.

Logistics infrastructure is another major component of Morocco’s investment appeal. The Tanger Med port and zones complex is described as a gateway to Europe that converts the country’s geographical position into export-oriented foreign investment by integrating the port with surrounding special economic zones and industrial parks. The main automotive cluster lies within 35 minutes of the terminal, reducing inland time and variability between factory gates and vessel departure.

UNCTAD’s assessment suggests that Morocco’s competitive advantage is increasingly about more than attracting individual foreign companies. Its industrial zones, logistics infrastructure, renewable energy capacity and growing supplier base are helping position the country within emerging global value chains, particularly those linked to electric mobility and the energy transition. The report nevertheless notes that attracting investment alone is not sufficient; developing economies need to connect foreign investment with local suppliers, skills, innovation and employment to ensure that investment contributes to broader domestic industrial development.

https://bit.ly/3SBcF0C

Africa Automotive: Electric Vehicle Growth - BYD Focuses on South Africa

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is pursuing a manufacturing strategy in South Africa that centres on battery production rather than local vehicle assembly, a move that distinguishes its approach from competitors operating in the country’s automotive sector.

The world’s largest producer of battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles has signalled  its ambitions in South Africa extend well beyond the showroom floor. Executives from the company outlined this direction during the July launch of a financial services joint venture with Absa, indicating the group views the country as a potential manufacturing hub for the technology that underpins its global operations.

BYD’s origins as a battery manufacturer, long before it became a leading name in electric mobility, inform this strategy. Establishing production facilities in South Africa would allow the company to draw on that technical expertise while supplying not only the local electric vehicle market but also energy storage systems and possibly other industrial sectors.

The policy environment in South Africa appears to be moving in a direction that could support such investment. Government has revised its Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy and is proposing changes to automotive incentives that would allow up to half the value of critical minerals sourced from Southern Africa to count as local value addition in electric vehicle battery manufacturing. These measures are designed both to encourage regional processing of minerals and to attract battery producers.

Should BYD proceed with local battery manufacturing, the company could reduce its dependence on imported components while benefiting from existing and future incentive schemes.

The broader market for electrified vehicles in South Africa continues to expand rapidly. Sales data from Naamsa for June 2026 show that new energy vehicle registrations more than doubled year on year, reaching 3 045 units, a 104,2% increase from the 1 491 units sold in June 2025. These vehicles accounted for 6% of the 51 508 new light vehicles sold during the month, meaning roughly one in every 17 new light passenger vehicles was electrified.

Joubert Roux, co-founder and chair of Zero Carbon Charge, said the figures pointed to a sustained trend rather than a temporary spike. "Electric mobility is moving beyond early adopters and becoming an increasingly mainstream choice for South African consumers and businesses," he said.

For the first half of 2026, new energy vehicle sales totalled 13 193 units, comprising 6 667 hybrid electric vehicles, 4 623 plug-in hybrids and 1 903 battery electric vehicles. In June alone, traditional hybrids led with 1 488 units, representing 48,9% of the segment, followed by plug-in hybrids with 990 units and a 32,5% share, while battery electric vehicles recorded 419 units or 13,8%.

The market continues to follow a technology-diverse trajectory rather than shifting directly to full battery electric models, reflecting considerations around affordability, charging infrastructure and consumer driving habits. Naamsa supports a technology-neutral policy framework that allows manufacturers and consumers to choose between different low-emission and zero-emission technologies, arguing that such an approach supports consumer choice, investment and industrial competitiveness.

Naamsa interim chief executive Shinny Gobiyeza said the domestic automotive market was adapting to changing economic conditions and consumer preferences. "The continued growth in domestic vehicle sales, coupled with record levels of new energy vehicle adoption, demonstrates the resilience of South Africa's automotive industry," she said. "While export markets remain under pressure from global economic conditions, the domestic market continues to provide an important foundation for industry growth."

Lower entry prices for electric vehicles are supporting the trend. The most affordable new electric vehicle in South Africa cost close to R800 000 in 2023, but several current models are now priced below R520 000. The Geely E2 Aspire enters at R339 900, followed by the BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort at R341 900, with the Chery Q expected to launch in September from R350 000.

According to Roux, these lower price points are changing the financial calculus for both private buyers and fleet operators. "For years the conversation was about payback periods and total cost of ownership over five or ten years," he said. "Increasingly, in some categories, electric is simply the cheaper option on day one. That changes the conversation for both fleet operators and individual buyers entirely."

Morocco’s Integrated Model Offers Contrast

While South Africa positions itself for battery investment, Morocco has moved ahead with a comprehensive approach that combines Chinese industrial capital, government support and development finance. The African Development Bank’s recent approval of a $114 million loan – equivalent to roughly R2,1-billion – for Gotion High-Tech’s gigafactory in the North African country marks one of the largest development finance commitments to an African battery manufacturing project. The funding suggests that multilateral institutions are beginning to back battery production, which could encourage similar financing for projects elsewhere on the continent.

The bank’s support follows a pattern of Chinese companies, often in partnership with other players, increasing their investment in battery materials and manufacturing alongside vehicle exports and assembly operations. In Morocco, battery component production is already advancing. Abu Dhabi-based Falcon Energy Materials has commissioned a 25 000-tonnes-per-year anode materials pilot project at Jorf Lasfar, with technical and strategic partnerships with Chinese firms including Shanghai Shanshan New Material Co. and Hensen.

In 2024, Morocco signed a R5,6-billion agreement with China’s BTR New Material Group to build a cathode materials plant in Tangier. Cobco, a Chinese-Moroccan joint venture, has opened a battery components factory expected to produce enough materials for nearly one million electric vehicles annually once fully operational.

These investments complement Morocco’s existing vehicle manufacturing sector, creating an integrated ecosystem where battery materials, components and vehicle production increasingly reinforce one another. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, in its World Investment Report 2026, identified Morocco among emerging destinations benefiting from the global expansion of electric vehicle investment, alongside Brazil, India and Thailand. The country recorded about R61,5 billion in foreign direct investment inflows in 2025, supported by continued diversification into manufacturing and automotive activities.

UNCTAD also highlighted Morocco’s renewable energy strategy as a growing advantage for attracting energy-intensive manufacturing. At Jorf Lasfar, the Cobco joint venture plans to raise the share of green electricity in its operations to 80% in 2025 and 100% by the end of 2026, while Gotion’s gigafactory in Kenitra is linked to a dedicated renewable energy supply arrangement involving a 500-megawatt wind project and 2 000 MWh of battery storage. Logistics infrastructure, particularly the Tanger Med port and zones complex, has also been cited as a key factor in converting Morocco’s geographical position into export-oriented investment.

Policy Frameworks Will Determine Winners

The contrasting approaches of Morocco and South Africa offer insights into where Africa’s battery industry is heading. Morocco shows how Chinese manufacturers, government policy and development finance can work together to establish production at scale. South Africa is seeking to create the conditions for similar investment but has yet to secure a major battery manufacturing commitment.

For other African countries hoping to move beyond vehicle assembly, the presence of mineral resources alone is unlikely to be sufficient. Building a battery industry also requires a coordinated and stable industrial policy that can attract investors and create pathways to long-term financing.

The African Development Bank’s backing of the Gotion factory suggests that development finance institutions are opening up to support battery manufacturing, rather than only electric vehicle deployment or charging infrastructure. That shift in approach could have significant implications for which countries attract industrial activity in the electric vehicle value chain and which fall behind.

Egypt Pursues Full Manufacturing Status

Egypt, meanwhile, is advancing its own ambitions to transform from a vehicle assembly hub into a full automotive manufacturing nation. Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem has held expanded discussions with the Presidential Advisory Council of Egyptian Scientists and representatives of automotive manufacturers and component suppliers, reviewing an industry development study that aims to double vehicle production over the next five years while deepening the localisation of components, particularly metal parts and vehicle bodies.

A joint committee has been formed comprising representatives from the ministry, the advisory council and manufacturers to develop an executive framework for implementing the study’s recommendations. The discussions focused on establishing an integrated automotive ecosystem linking assembly plants with domestic supply chains capable of producing components that meet international standards.

Hashem stressed that the ministry’s objective is to move beyond assembly and establish a fully integrated manufacturing industry covering every stage of the value chain. "Assembly is only one step toward making Egypt a true automotive manufacturing nation through local component production, technology localisation, and the development of a competitive industrial base capable of serving both domestic and export markets," he said.

The ministry is also coordinating with the finance ministry to launch a national vehicle scrappage and replacement programme, offering incentives to encourage citizens to replace ageing vehicles with newer, more efficient models, boosting demand for locally manufactured vehicles while generating additional scrap metal for domestic steel production.

Renewables and Logistics Underpin Morocco’s Appeal

UNCTAD noted that Morocco’s renewable energy targets and decarbonisation commitments, combined with arrangements giving firms access to dedicated renewable electricity, have helped position the country as an attractive location for battery materials and cell manufacturing. The report also pointed to the announced Sila Atlantik Cable project as an example of the growing regional dimension of investment in renewable energy, combining large-scale generation with subsea transmission infrastructure linking North Africa and Europe.

Logistics infrastructure is another major component of Morocco’s investment appeal. The Tanger Med port and zones complex is described as a gateway to Europe that converts the country’s geographical position into export-oriented foreign investment by integrating the port with surrounding special economic zones and industrial parks. The main automotive cluster lies within 35 minutes of the terminal, reducing inland time and variability between factory gates and vessel departure.

UNCTAD’s assessment suggests that Morocco’s competitive advantage is increasingly about more than attracting individual foreign companies. Its industrial zones, logistics infrastructure, renewable energy capacity and growing supplier base are helping position the country within emerging global value chains, particularly those linked to electric mobility and the energy transition. The report nevertheless notes that attracting investment alone is not sufficient; developing economies need to connect foreign investment with local suppliers, skills, innovation and employment to ensure that investment contributes to broader domestic industrial development.

https://bit.ly/3SBcF0C

Formula Africa Partners with Blocksport for Digital Community Development

Formula Africa has brought Blocksport on board as its Founding Official Digital Community Partner, a move that sets the groundwork for the organisation’s digital entry across the continent.

The partnership sees Blocksport take on the technical responsibility for the Formula Africa Super App, which is meant to serve as a central digital space for the organisation’s growing network of young participants, local communities, and institutional backers.

Rather than building a separate app for each function, the aim is to consolidate engagement, learning materials, community interaction, and partnership coordination into one platform that can scale as the programme expands into different African markets.

Formula Africa has been clear from the start that it does not see itself as a traditional sponsor-driven project. The approach leans more towards bringing in organisations that can contribute specific capabilities—technology, sector expertise, or regional reach—and giving each a defined role within a wider ecosystem.

Blocksport is the first to sign on under this model, with its digital community tools expected to handle the membership and interaction layers of the Super App.

Julia Green, founder and executive chair of Formula Africa, said the organisation was built around the idea that access remains one of the biggest barriers for young people across the continent.

She says while talent and ambition are not in short supply, the pathways to education, skills training, and career opportunities are often fragmented. The Super App, she added, is intended to bridge that gap by keeping users connected to the organisation’s physical events and programmes, while also offering a digital journey that continues beyond a single interaction.

Green also confirmed Formula Africa is in active discussions with governments, schools, and industry bodies, with the aim of weaving their inputs into the platform as it develops. The Blocksport agreement is the first of what the organisation says will be several founding partnerships, with future announcements expected in areas such as engineering, artificial intelligence, financial services, and mobility.

For its part, Blocksport sees the partnership as a chance to apply its mobile-first community platform to a pan-African audience.

Chief executive Vladimiro Liulka described the youth demographic on the continent as a dynamic group that stands to gain from digital tools designed not just for connection, but for practical outcomes like job referrals, learning pathways, and community-led support. He said the Super App would be built with that in mind, focusing on usability and real-world relevance rather than novelty features.

The announcement comes as Formula Africa prepares for a broader roll-out of government engagements and commercial discussions over the coming months. The organisation has positioned this partnership as a foundational step, with the Super App expected to evolve gradually as new capabilities and partners are introduced. No timeline has been given for the app’s public launch, but those close to the project indicate that development is already under way.

Both parties have emphasised that the agreement is not a short-term sponsorship, but a long-term collaboration aimed at building a sustainable digital presence for Formula Africa’s work across the continent.

https://bit.ly/3UbyOD9

Mercedes-Benz Invests R6 Million in Eastern Cape STEM Education

Mercedes-Benz South Africa has committed R6-million to expand the Kutlwanong Promaths Programme in kuGompo, in the Eastern Cape. The funding will support selected Grade 10 and 11 learners from 18 feeder schools in the Buffalo City Metro District.

The programme aims to improve performance in Mathematics and Physical Science through supplementary academic support, teacher development, career guidance, and industry exposure. The goal is to strengthen educational outcomes and prepare learners for further studies and careers in STEM-related fields.

Taryn Woodbridge, CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, said the company recognises the importance of STEM education for the country’s youth. “Through our collaboration with Kutlwanong NPC, we are intentional in our support of learner performance in Mathematics and Physical Science, increasing their exposure to STEM-related pathways,” she said.

Collen Mkhomazi, Head of Education and Acting CEO of Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science & Technology NPC, said the organisation welcomed Mercedes-Benz as a strategic partner. “Their support enables us to extend the reach of the Promaths Programme, benefiting both learners and educators,” she said.

The investment comes at a time when the national education system continues to face challenges in maths and science. Recent matric results show the mathematics pass rate declined from 69% to 64% in 2025, while only 34% of candidates wrote pure Mathematics. The Department of Basic Education has acknowledged the need for focused improvement in STEM subjects.

Academic research also highlights persistent challenges in STEM education in townships and rural areas, including resource constraints and limited access to qualified teachers. Government has called for collective effort from the corporate sector to support STEM uptake.

The Promaths Programme, established by Investec in partnership with Kutlwanong in 2005, has been operating across multiple centres nationwide. In 2021, the programme contributed 5% of South Africa’s national distinctions in maths and science.

The Mercedes-Benz funding will extend the programme’s reach in the Eastern Cape, where provincial maths performance in recent years has lagged national averages. The initiative combines academic support with teacher development and industry exposure to improve learner outcomes across participating schools.

https://bit.ly/4z4gM5Z

Volvo Trucks Hits 250,000 km with Electric Fleet in South Africa

Volvo Trucks South Africa’s battery-electric customer fleet has now covered more than 250 000 kilometres in real-world commercial operation since the vehicles were first introduced locally in 2023. The distance has been accumulated across a range of applications, with companies using the trucks to reduce emissions while gaining firsthand experience in electric freight movement.

The current generation of extra heavy electric models makes up the fleet, operating largely on shorter routes and urban distribution cycles. While the global Volvo electric truck fleet has logged more than 400 million kilometres, the local figure represents a measured but meaningful advance for the South African market, according to Eric Parry, Senior Manager for Sustainable Solutions at Volvo Trucks South Africa.

“While a quarter of a million kilometres may seem modest compared with the more than 400-million already accumulated by Volvo electric trucks globally, it represents a significant achievement in the South African context, where the majority of Volvo electric trucks are operating on shorter-route and urban distribution applications,” said Parry.

The fleet’s monthly average per vehicle stands at 2 000 kilometres, with the busiest units consistently reaching 10 000 kilometres a month. Energy consumption across the range averages 1,77 kWh/km, covering everything from eight-tonne 4x2 units carrying five to seven tonnes of payload, up to 6x4 tractors pulling interlink trailers with loads of 32 tonnes or more.

Parry noted the milestone reflects growing trust in the technology. “The milestone reflects the confidence customers have placed in Volvo Trucks' electric transport solutions and demonstrates that battery-electric trucks are successfully meeting the demands of daily commercial operations,” he said. He added customers and drivers have shown a willingness to adapt and refine their operating methods, and the distance achieved speaks both to the vehicle capability and to the commitment of those using them.

Beyond the odometer reading, the fleet’s performance has offered practical lessons in charging behaviour, vehicle utilisation, uptime management and driver feedback under local conditions. All customer fleets charge at depot or loading areas, using their own installed chargers. Charging strategies vary between overnight slow charging and faster top-ups, depending on each operation’s specific needs.

Parry said one of the more encouraging developments has been seeing electric trucks shift from a theoretical option to a daily fixture in transport operations. He said each kilometre travelled adds to the business case for wider adoption. Volvo Trucks provides dealer and workshop support for electric fleets, including real-time battery monitoring, dedicated 24/7 roadside assistance, and range-prediction tools.

Looking ahead, Volvo Trucks South Africa plans to introduce a new generation of electric trucks later this year, offering extended range and additional power configurations. Parry said the current fleet is laying groundwork for that next phase, and the company views the 250 000-kilometre mark not as a conclusion, but as a stepping stone.

“While a quarter of a million kilometres is an important milestone, it is what those kilometres represent that matters most: growing customer confidence, valuable operational experience, and a foundation for the next generation of electric transport,” he said.

https://bit.ly/4yutAlT

Empowerment and sustainability from Eastern Cape automakers

Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) has invested close to R2-million in a new AI, Coding and Robotics Laboratory at Khulile Primary School in Motherwell, bringing digital learning tools to 650 learners from Grade R to Grade 7.

The facility, established in partnership with Sifiso EdTech through the Future Nation Foundation, represents the second such laboratory that IMSAf has set up in Gqeberha. The project is designed to provide early exposure to emerging technologies and build foundational digital literacy and computational thinking skills among young learners.

Beyond the physical infrastructure, the investment includes a comprehensive educator development programme. Teachers will receive training endorsed by the South African Council for Educators (SACE), covering robotics implementation, programming structures, sensors, actuators, troubleshooting and classroom integration. Ongoing mentorship, virtual learning support and collaborative networks are also part of the package to ensure sustained delivery of the curriculum.

From left: Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe; Khulile Primary School Principal, Ms Linda Nonxuba; Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Makgabo Reginah Mhaule; and Department Executive: Corporate Affairs at Isuzu Motors South Africa, Nandi Matomela, officially cut the ribbon to open the new AI, Coding and Robotics Lab at Khulile Primary School in Motherwell, Gqeberha. 

The laboratory is equipped with robotics kits, tablets, laptops and a customised computer suite, allowing learners to engage with coding, robotics and artificial intelligence through hands-on activities. The programme also aims to create early awareness of career pathways in engineering, software development, mechatronics, automation and related fields.

"This initiative reflects our belief that preparing young people for the future starts with access today," says Nandi Matomela, Department Executive for Corporate Affairs at Isuzu Motors South Africa. "As industries continue evolving through digital transformation and automation, every learner deserves the opportunity to develop the skills needed to participate meaningfully in tomorrow's economy. Through this investment, we are not only providing technology but creating opportunities for young people to discover their potential."

Dr Sizwe Nxasana, Founder and CEO of Sifiso EdTech, noted coding, robotics and artificial intelligence are already shaping the world learners are growing into. "By introducing these skills at primary school level, we are helping learners build confidence, creativity and critical thinking while opening doors to the careers and opportunities of tomorrow."

The initiative forms part of IMSAf's broader Corporate Social Investment programme, which seeks to narrow South Africa's skills gap by aligning educational outcomes with the demands of a technology-driven economy.

Staying in the Eastern Cape, Volkswagen Group Africa has completed a photovoltaic solar panel installation at its Component Plant in Kariega, Eastern Cape, as part of its long-term sustainability roadmap.

The project, finalised in June 2026, consists of 1 410 solar panels mounted on the roofs of the building and its car park, along with a ground-mounted section. The facility has a capacity of approximately 0,88MWp.

This installation adds to VWGA's existing renewable energy portfolio, which includes a multi-phase solar array over the employee car park featuring 9 294 panels with a capacity of 5,2MWp, capable of generating 7 125 MWh annually. Similar projects have also been completed on the roof of the Final Assembly building and the engine plant, with capacities of 1,7MWp and 1,0MWp respectively.

The company has been increasing its reliance on green energy sources, and in 2025, Plant Kariega sourced 40% of its energy requirements from renewable sources. The latest project is part of a broader strategy aimed at achieving carbon-neutral electricity in the company's production operations.

"We have made significant strides in recent years towards fully sustainable manufacturing," says Ulrich Schwabe, Production Director at Volkswagen Group Africa. "As a company we remain committed towards practices that are responsible and sustainable, and our work in increasing our green footprint is never done."

https://bit.ly/3TteyfU

Could Solar Energy Hurt South Africa's Automotive Future?

As South Africa's auto industry races to electrify, a troubling question emerges: Could the cure for carbon emissions be worse than the disease?

The Karoo stretches endlessly under a brutal sun, its semi-desert plains dotted with hardy shrubs and the occasional springbok. It's the perfect place for a solar farm—high irradiation, flat land, and seemingly empty horizons. But ‘empty’ is a dangerous illusion.

Beneath the panels of South Africa's rapidly multiplying solar parks, a quiet transformation is taking place—one that international research suggests may be more complex, and potentially more harmful, than the green energy narrative lets on.

For the country's auto industry, already buckling under the weight of load-shedding and global decarbonisation pressures, the ecological shadow cast by utility-scale solar could become an unexpected choke point, threatening not just the land, but the very factories and supply chains that sustain the sector.

The narrative around solar energy is seductively simple: sunlight hits panel, electrons flow, emissions drop. But the ecological reality, as revealed by a growing body of meta-analyses, is far messier.

A comprehensive 2025 meta-analysis published in IOPscience, synthesising 44 dryland studies, found that photovoltaic power plants (PVPPs) are most consistently associated with reduced near-surface wind speed and air temperature, alongside increased soil moisture and vegetation cover.

Another major meta-analysis in the Journal of Environmental Management confirmed these microclimatic shifts, reporting significant reductions in wind speed (-63,55%) and soil temperature (-9,72%), while soil moisture content increased by a staggering 301,63%. On the surface, this sounds like a boon for arid regions.

Yet, a deeper look reveals a more troubling picture. The same 2025 IOPscience study noted that responses of aboveground biomass and annual net primary productivity were "less robust" and should not be interpreted as uniform ecological benefits.

Meanwhile, a Chinese meta-analysis published in 2025, examining 50 global studies, found vegetation diversity actually declined by 6,38% under solar panels, even as species richness and cover increased. This suggests a homogenisation of the landscape—a few hardy species thriving, while the delicate mosaic of native flora is lost.

The critical factor, as the research underscores, is context dependence. The ecological effects of a solar farm are not universal but are heavily dictated by the type of ecosystem it replaces. Grasslands and savannas—South Africa's primary biomes targeted for solar development—appear to be particularly sensitive. A study in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution specifically noted photovoltaic panel installation increased plant aboveground biomass and vegetation cover in grasslands, but also reduced CO2 flux, plant species richness and vegetation cover in woodlands. In other words, you might get more grass, but you lose the trees and the complex biodiversity they support.

The very act of ‘greening’ the immediate microclimate can come at the cost of the larger ecological fabric.

This ecological complexity is not just an academic concern in South Africa; it is a legal and social powder keg. The strategic roll-out of renewable energy has been guided by Spatial Planning tools and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) to identify Renewable Energy Development Zones (REDZs). Yet, the friction between these zones and existing land use is palpable.

The recent proclamation of the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Act, 2024, now explicitly restricts development on high-potential agricultural land, creating "protected agricultural areas" mapped using soil quality, climate, and biodiversity data. This legislative shift is a direct response to the creeping industrialisation of agricultural landscapes.

And the conflicts are not hypothetical. The Phomolong community in the Free State shut down a solar project over a flawed recruitment process, blocking access to healthcare and schools.

The Supreme Court of Appeal overturned the environmental authorisation for Eskom's Richards Bay gas plant, citing a failure to consider cumulative impacts and community participation. These are not isolated incidents; they are the new reality of a green energy transition conducted without sufficient social and ecological buy-in.

Why should a motor manufacturer care about a patch of disturbed Karoo scrub or a community grievance in the Free State? Because these seemingly local issues translate directly into industrial risk.

The South African automotive sector is a cornerstone of the economy, accounting for over 20% of manufacturing output. But it is also an energy-intensive industry under immense pressure. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) looms like a guillotine, threatening to add punishing carbon tariffs to vehicles manufactured with South Africa's coal-heavy electricity.

Solar panels at Ford's Silverton Plant, Pretoria

This is why we see companies like Ford installing massive 13,5-megawatt solar carports at its Silverton plant, and Maxion Wheels energising its own solar PV systems. The industry is desperate for clean, reliable power. The shift to New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) is not just a trend; it is an economic necessity, with recent ILO-led social dialogues in the Eastern Cape explicitly focusing on reskilling the automotive workforce for this transition.

However, this transition is built on a fragile foundation. The JET-IP identifies inadequate transmission infrastructure, delays in coal decommissioning, and funding gaps as major barriers.

Add to this the social and legal delays associated with new solar projects, and the risk of supply-chain disruption becomes acute. Land-use conflicts and protracted environmental authorisations don't just delay energy projects; they delay the electrification of the auto industry itself, raising costs and creating investor uncertainty.

As the JET-IP review notes, the plan is hindered by "geographic, political, and logistical complexities". Every hectare of solar farm that becomes a battleground is a hectare of potential energy that could have powered a factory line, lost to litigation and protest.

The situation is not hopeless, but it demands a radical shift in thinking. The current model—which often treats land as either a conservation zone or an energy plantation—is fundamentally flawed. The solution lies in integration.

The most promising avenue is agrivoltaics. The successful commissioning of a 1 MWp ground-mounted solar system at Genade Boerdery in the Northern Cape, which supports the farm's irrigation and production, demonstrates a working model for dual-use land.

Similarly, Enel Green Power's Adams solar plant in the Northern Cape has partnered with a local herb incubator, developing 21 women's cooperatives and demonstrating that energy generation can coexist with economic development.

The University of the Western Cape's ‘Green New World’ project is another beacon, creating an agrivoltaic system that will integrate solar energy, water purification and hydroponics on a single site, generating scientific data and training future practitioners. As a UWC project leader noted, the true value lies in the "seamless integration of electrically driven processes with advanced agricultural practices".

Beyond agrivoltaics, there is a growing recognition that well-designed solar farms can, in fact, enhance habitat. By moderating soil temperature through shading, and using dynamic tracker systems to prevent permanent over-shading, developers can create microclimates that support native grasses and pollinators, while wide row spacing ensures wildlife movement. This transforms solar farms from "ecological trade-offs" into "dual-purpose landscapes".

Policymakers must tie renewable procurement to binding community benefit clauses, ensuring that local communities are not just consulted but are co-investors in the projects that reshape their land.

The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ) is already positioning itself as a benchmark, using solar rooftops and battery storage to attract OEMs, proving strategic investment in distributed generation near manufacturing hubs can mitigate risks and build investor confidence.

The green energy build-out is non-negotiable for South Africa's auto future. But it must be executed with ecological intelligence and social inclusion. The science is clear: large-scale solar can alter local climates, fragment habitats, and fuel community conflicts. If left unmanaged, these risks will translate directly into grid delays, legal blockades, and a slower, more expensive transition to EV manufacturing.

The sector's survival depends on moving beyond the simplistic view of solar as a pure environmental good. The goal must be to generate clean power and preserve ecological function, and deliver tangible community benefits.

As one environmental advisor noted, we must shift from viewing solar farms as ecological trade-offs to serving as "dual-purpose landscapes that deliver both reliable renewable energy and functioning ecological corridors". Anything less, and the auto industry might find itself stranded—not by a lack of electricity, but by the very land it needs to generate it.

https://bit.ly/4wRtgMn

Empowering South African Learners with Coding and Robotics

Stellantis South Africa has entered into a new community-focused partnership with Social Coding South Africa, aimed at introducing coding, robotics and digital literacy to learners and educators in areas where access to technology remains limited.

The initiative falls under Stellantis Philanthropy, the automotive group’s global social investment programme, which supports education, youth development and efforts to broaden access to economic opportunities.

Sizwekazi Mdingi, head of communications and CSR for South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa at Stellantis, said the company views skills development as a foundation for long-term social and economic mobility. “Through Stellantis Philanthropy, we back initiatives that help young people build their futures and strengthen the communities they come from. Our partnership with Social Coding South Africa reflects this by giving learners and teachers digital skills that can lead to real opportunities.”

At the core of the project is a mobile computer laboratory that travels directly to schools, delivering hands-on training in coding, robotics and emerging technologies.

The programme is structured to reach several groups:

- Grade 8 and 9 learners, who will receive practical exposure to digital literacy, coding, robotics, artificial intelligence and Fourth Industrial Revolution tools.
- Teachers, who will be trained to integrate digital tools into their classroom practice.
- Young facilitators, who will be certified in digital and facilitation skills, with a number of participants gaining paid work experience to help scale the initiative.

In addition, learners will have the chance to enter national and international robotics competitions. By training local facilitators and upskilling teachers, the model is designed to ensure that digital capabilities continue to grow within the community even after the mobile lab moves to its next location.

Thembiso Magajana, founder of Social Coding South Africa, said the partnership addresses a persistent gap between community talent and available opportunity. “With Stellantis’s support, our mobile lab can reach learners, teachers and young facilitators who are often excluded from the digital economy, and show them that coding, robotics and AI are accessible. And because we train facilitators and equip teachers, the skills remain in the community long after the lab leaves.”

Stellantis Philanthropy operates separately from the company’s commercial operations and focuses on initiatives that generate social value. Its priorities include education, youth empowerment and improving access to opportunity, with the aim of enabling individuals to create lasting change in their own environments.

https://bit.ly/4pnPzXs

Isuzu's Solar Impact on Seabird Conservation in South Africa

Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) has reinforced its support for seabird conservation in the Eastern Cape through an ongoing partnership with the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), with recent infrastructure investments yielding significant operational savings and expanded educational outreach.

The collaboration, which began in 2024, has seen IMSAf refurbish SANCCOB’s home pen facility and oversee the commissioning of a solar power plant at the organisation’s Cape Recife centre in 2025. These upgrades have contributed to improved operational stability, enhanced care for permanent seabird residents, and reduced monthly electricity costs by more than 85%, according to figures provided by the foundation.

“Conservation is most effective when investment, education and partnerships work together,” says Nandi Matomela, Department Executive for Corporate Affairs at Isuzu Motors South Africa. “Our partnership with SANCCOB shows how business can contribute to lasting environmental outcomes. By supporting conservation infrastructure and environmental education, we are helping to safeguard natural heritage for future generations.”

The solar installation has allowed SANCCOB to redirect funds previously allocated to electricity towards rescue, rehabilitation and veterinary services. Seabirds are considered important indicators of ocean health, and their protection is regarded as integral to the resilience of coastal ecosystems.

Carl Havemann, Centre Manager at SANCCOB Gqeberha, said the investment had notably improved operations at the Cape Recife facility. “The refurbishment of the resident seabird enclosure restored a critical space for our permanent patients, while the solar power system has enabled us to maintain operations during periods of load-shedding and other power disruptions. The savings realised have been channelled directly into conservation interventions benefiting seabird populations along the coastline.”

Beyond infrastructure, IMSAf has broadened its focus to include environmental education, with activities aimed at fostering awareness among young people.

On  July 1, 2026, 60 learners from De Vos Malan and Khulile Primary Schools took part in a programme at SANCCOB covering marine conservation, biodiversity protection and waste management. The session included a storytelling component led by 11-year-old author Unarine Phaswana, whose involvement encouraged learners to consider their own potential contributions to environmental stewardship.

A second event on July 4, 2026 involved the children of IMSAf employees at the company’s Marine Drive facility. The programme featured coastal clean-up activities and interactive sessions designed to illustrate the links between waste management, biodiversity and ecosystem health. Employees also handed over collected bottle caps to SANCCOB for recycling, with proceeds from the initiative supporting the foundation’s conservation and rehabilitation work.

Through a combination of infrastructure investment, partnership with conservation bodies and educational programming, Isuzu Motors South Africa continues to support efforts aimed at preserving coastal biodiversity while encouraging the next generation to take an active role in environmental protection.

https://bit.ly/44uMqeL