Accra: Africa risks falling behind in the global electric vehicle transition unless governments accelerate investment in infrastructure and industrial policy, experts have warned. The caution was raised at an executive training programme on automotive industrialisation in Accra, where stakeholders examined Africa's preparedness for the shift to electric mobility.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Jeffrey Oppong Peprah, Chief Executive Officer of Volkswagen (VW) Ghana, highlighted that the global automotive industry is being reshaped by electrification, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence, while many African countries remain at an early stage of readiness. He emphasized that Africa must not view the transition as a disruption but as an opportunity. Mr Oppong Peprah advocated for early investment in electric vehicle assembly and enabling infrastructure to position countries for serving both domestic and export markets.
He further stressed that automotive industrialisation requires deliberate policy direction, strong partnerships, infrastructure development, and skills training, noting that sustained government commitment has underpinned industry growth in other regions. Mr Oppong Peprah pointed out that the sector is increasingly driven not only by mechanical engineering but also by software, data, and digital systems, making skills development critical.
Mr Themba Khumalo, representative of the AfCFTA Secretariat, observed that Africa's reliance on imported vehicles limits its participation in emerging electric mobility value chains, including battery manufacturing and advanced automotive technologies. He noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers a framework for developing integrated regional electric vehicle industries, but stressed that effective policy implementation remains essential.
Mr Khumalo identified inadequate infrastructure, including charging networks and reliable power supply, as major barriers to electric vehicle adoption. He warned that without such investment, Africa would struggle to attract investors and scale up production. He added that the continent's growing population and rising vehicle demand create opportunities for investment under AfCFTA, which could support regional production and trade.
Mr Khumalo urged governments to adopt coordinated strategies prioritising infrastructure, financing, policy consistency, and human capital development to strengthen Africa's competitiveness in the global automotive sector. He concluded that while the electric vehicle transition poses challenges, it also offers an opportunity for Africa to reposition itself within global automotive value chains if decisive action is taken.