Chinese EVs help drive Africa’s green transition

From Kenya to South Africa, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are ramping up investment in Africa, a move that experts say will accelerate the continent's shift towards clean mobility and sustainable development.

- By LIU JIANQIAO

The Chinese EV maker BYD plans to nearly triple its dealership network in South Africa by next year as it seeks to expand its market share in the country, Steve Chang, general manager of BYD South Africa, said recently.

The company plans to increase the number of its dealerships in the country to 20 by the end of this year and aims to further expand its dealerships to 30 to 35 by the end of next year, Chang said. BYD is now implementing its hybrid and electric dual power train strategy, selling six models in the local market.

Beyond South Africa the company is also deepening its presence in East Africa. BYD is collaborating with BasiGo in Nairobi to synergise Chinese EV expertise with Kenyan assembly, financing and renewable infrastructure.

BAIC, another Chinese motor vehicle maker, is partnering with Alkan Auto, a subsidiary of Egyptian International Motors Group of Cairo, to establish a new factory in Egypt expected to become operational by the end of this year.