Chinese carmakers speed up in Africa with sales and factories

Chinese car brands are strengthening their presence in Africa with a two-track strategy: they export competitively priced vehicles and, in several countries, launch local assembly or production activities. The result is a more accessible market, but also one increasingly shaped by Asian competition.

For many African governments, this expansion brings investment, jobs and skills transfer. For Europe’s auto industry, the message is clear: the race is no longer only about sales, but also about controlling supply chains and production close to fast-growing markets.