NAACAM signs historic MOU with 12 automotive associations in Africa

The automotive sector in Africa experienced unprecedented challenges in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the setback faced by the sector, industry role-players have been strategic in their market assessment by identifying new partners and new growth opportunities.

This was made evident as a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between 12 private sector automotive associations in Africa and Europe, to develop the automotive industry in Africa.

The MoU encourages enhanced dialogue contributing to the development of a joint plan to grow the automotive sector in Africa through integration into the global value chains resulting in quality jobs.

The launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was one of the catalysts that led to a joint initiative to develop an MoU amongst European and African automotive associations, initially driven by the AAAM, VDA, and Afrika-Verein, and has grown into co-operation between 12 associations, which has the support of both the African Union and the European Union.

Mr Dave Coffey, CEO of AAAM ( the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers), said, “The trade and investment climate in Africa can only be improved together. We are convinced that Africa has great potential to develop a promising automotive industry that will provide long-term employment. The fact that African and European associations have agreed on key points to further develop the industry on the continent is an important milestone. Now political representatives support this by creating the framework conditions for the industry to develop and grow.”

𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐎𝐔
AAAM – African Association of Automotive Manufacturers -Dave Coffey, CEO; Afrika-Verein der deutschen Wirtschaft (German – African Business Association)
– Dr Markus Thill, Member of the Management Board German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Andreas Rade, MD;
Kenya Association of Manufacturers(KAM) – Ashit Shah, Chairman Automotive Sector;TAA – Tunisian Automotive Association – Myriam Elloumi, Vice President;NAACAM– Renai Moothilal, Executive Director;
naamsa | The Automotive Business Council – Mikel MABASA, CEO;CLEPA – European Association of Automotive Suppliers
– Sigrid de Vries, Secretary General;
EBCAM – European Business Council for Africa and Mediterranean – Dr Markus Thill, Member of the Management Board AV;
European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA)– Eric-Mark Huitema, Director General;
Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) – Tokunbo Aromolaran, Chairman;
Assemblers Association Ghana (AAAG)-Jeffrey J. O. Peprah , President.