China-Africa green mobility cooperation gains momentum at automotive partnership gathering in South Africa

More than 700 industry, government and finance delegates from over 20 African countries converged at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, South Africa, for a major automotive partnership conference to explore joint pathways for local manufacturing, green transport transition and cross-border connectivity.

Held from October 28 to 30 under the theme, “Drive to Great”, the high-level forum brought together Chinese diplomatic representatives, South African provincial officials, financial institutions and business players to advance China-Africa industrial collaboration across the continent.

“Chinese automakers have done an amazing job bringing these powerful and technologically advanced vehicles. African terrains and road conditions are very challenging, so advanced vehicle technologies bring huge added advantages, especially for Africa’s mining industry and long-distance logistics spanning from Cape Town all the way to Cairo,” Lulama Siqithi from South Africa’s state Industrial Development Corporation, said.

“China has delivered tremendous value to the African continent. We need more advanced technology and improved infrastructure to drive growth, and we look forward to deeper partnerships, digital upgrading and technological empowerment across Africa,” she added.

The conference highlighted the long-term value of China-Africa automotive collaboration in adapting vehicles to local harsh road and climate conditions, improving after-sales coverage, and lowering operational costs for local businesses and households.

Rather than merely exporting finished vehicles, Chinese automotive enterprises are adopting a localized, ecosystem-oriented development strategy for the African market.

“Africa boasts huge potential for new energy vehicles in the future. The total cost of ownership of electric vehicles is far more competitive than traditional fuel vehicles, especially amid global energy price fluctuations and rising diesel and gasoline costs,” BAIC FOTON International president Wu Zongtian, said. 

“We do not simply deliver vehicles. We cooperate deeply with local partners to tailor full ecosystem solutions, including customized battery configurations, vehicle fleet scale, and matched charging and swapping infrastructure, to fit local operational scenarios and support Africa’s steady green transportation transformation,” he explained.

“The value proposition of Chinese vehicles stands out greatly in South Africa’s current economic environment. They deliver equivalent quality to traditional brands with cost-effective performance, which perfectly suits local businesses amid high fuel costs and economic pressure,” said Marius Small, local chief executive of the automotive operation in South Africa.

“Robust local after-sales networks have been established across the country, with 65 local dealers in operation, providing full lifecycle support and reliable service for local users,” he noted.

A series of pragmatic cooperation outcomes were reached during the event, covering localized production layout, automotive financial services, cross-border spare parts supply, and new energy vehicle cooperation with multiple African countries including Mozambique, Ethiopia, Kenya and Zambia.

Leveraging the landmark China-South Africa manufacturing cooperation project located in Gqeberha’s Coega Special Economic Zone, Chinese automakers continue to deepen localized investment, nurture local industrial chains, and create local employment, helping accelerate the upgrading of Africa’s automotive industry and sustainable economic development.