AfCFTA opens doors for South African automotive industry growth

THE National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) 2025 show revealed that South African manufacturers are poised to reap significant benefits from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

Unveiling the latest industry insights, Luthando Vuba, executive head of international trade at Standard Bank Group's Business and Commercial Banking, last week highlighted how the AfCFTA is paving the way for South African suppliers to deepen their presence in burgeoning automotive markets across Africa.

Emerging automotive hubs in countries like Morocco, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Egypt demonstrate an increasing demand for South African components, ranging from engine parts and tyres to cutting-edge Electric Vehicle (EV) technologies.

Vuba pointed out that while the sector showed resilience, it faced challenges.

He said the latest data from NAA-CAM revealed a contraction of 6.7% in motor vehicle, parts, and accessories manufacturing in May 2025, contributing to a 0.6 percentage-point decline in total manufacturing output. However, sales rose by 3.9%, buoyed by robust aftermarket demand and increased exports to non-US markets.