Africa's Automotive Industry - Breaking Away From Foreign Dominance

Africa has for most part of its automobile existence been a consumer when it comes to cars. It is no secret that almost every car used on the continent is imported. A large number of these cars are what is described in Nigerian pidgin parlance as "tokunbo" (second hand). However, the African automobile industry is responding positively by manufacturing durable and affordable cars in recent times. The likes of Nigeria's Innoson, Kenya's Mobius motors amongst others are changing the African automobile narrative. 

Here we detail 7 standout African owned automobile companies, who are proudly re-writting the continents automobile story. 

1 INNOSON MOTORS (NIGERIA) 

Innoson vehicle manufacturing company (IVM) was founded by INNOCENT CHUKWUMA, becoming the first company to manufacture cars in Nigeria. They have produced at least 700 locally made in Nigeria cars at an affordable cost of between N1. 5 - N3. 5 million Naira. Interestingly Innoson attracts patronage not only from Nigerian consumers but also from Africa at large. Innoson assembles various vehicles, ranging from pick up vans, buses and Suv's. Models are the Innoson UMU, VOX and G5 (all SUV's). 

2 BIRKIN CARS (SOUTH AFRICA) 

South African based. They started operations in 1982, making them one of the oldest in the industry on the continent. The car is been sold in most parts of the world including Japan, the United States and across major cities in Europe. Birkin cars is a luxury car brand known for top quality classic productions, including the CS3 clubman and SS3 Street series. 

3 KIIRA MOTORS CORPORATION (UGANDA) 

The Uganda automobile company sole interests lie in creating hybrid electric vehicles. Launched in 2014 by the engineering students of the Makerere university, who participated in the vehicle design summit launched by MIT students in 2006. The automobile company is fully supported by the Ugandan government. The KMC has in it's parade the Kiira EV smack, Kayyoola solar bus, and Kiira EV poc which has a battery bank capacity of 40AH and 207V. This type of innovation being carried out by the KMC is a clear indication of a new dawn for the automobile industry in Uganda. 

4 KANTAKA CARS (GHANA) 

Established in Ghana by Dr Kwado Kantanka. They produce both four - wheel and salon cars. They also produce SUV's such as Nkunimdie and Kantanka opasuo. Ghanians as well as other African countries are already driving some of the made in Ghana cars. Going forward the company announced its intent to start production of electric cars by the end of 2020.

5 LARAKI (MOROCCO) 

Founded by Moroccan business man Mohamed Laraki founded in 1999. The company started by manufacturing yachts and further moved into production of luxurious supercars. Its first car was produced in 2002 the Laraki Fulgara, the Borac follwed next, followed by the Epitome and the company has since continued to evolve from then on. Further more Larakis are strictly concept cars, custom built for each customer, and was ranked among the most expensive cars in the world in 2015.

6 MOBIUS MOTORS (KENYA) 

Founded in 2010 for the African market. They realeased the first batch of their low cost vehicles towards the end of 2019. They use simplified design concepts to produce cheap but efficient vehicles that can confidently compete with second - hand cars that can dominate the East - African market. 

7 WALLYSCAR (TUNISIA) 

Established in 2006, the cars are manufactured in La Marsa, Tunisia. The automotive company is known for building reliable, affordable and powerful 4×4s. They sell majorly in Africa and the Middle East. The company's main aim is producing sporty, colourful and environmentally friendly. 

IT IS CLEAR AFRICA IS ON A RISING PATH OF AUTOMOTIVE RESURGENCE, THE PATRONAGE OF FOREIGN USED VEHICLES IS AT ITS PEAK ON THE CONTINENT, AFRICAN MANUFACTURERS ARE STEPPING UP TO THE CHALLENGE. IT IS LEFT TO SEE IF THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENTS AND PEOPLE WHERE THESE INSTITUTIONS ARE LOCATED WILL BE OF SUPPORT AND PATRONAGE. IT IS TIME TO BE AFRICAN, NOT BY WORD OF MOUTH OR COLOUR OF SKIN, BUT BY  ACTIONS AND DEEDS.