The automotive industry over the decades has seen its fair share of contributions from different continents making it one of the most innovative sectors in the world. Automotive brands from Asia, Europe, and America subcontinents is practically the vast majority on every motorable African road but all that is about to change in the near future.
As modern entrepreneurs keep springing up all across Africa, a breath of fresh air has enveloped the automobile sector. Although, the manufacturing of vehicles in Africa is still in its early stages, what has been produced so far is highly impressive and of industry standard. From rugged off-road vehicles to sleek sports cars, Africa has a lot to offer in the automotive industry.
Africa may not be the first continent to that comes to mind when thinking about car manufacturing, but it is home to some truly innovative and impressive vehicles that are sure to blow your mind. Here are some African-made car brands for you to explore
Birkin Cars- Made in South Africa
The Republic of South Africa (RSA) is one of Africa’s biggest economies. Although South Africa is home to numerous automobile manufacturers, Birkin Cars stands out as a frontrunner in the nation’s production of high-end automobiles. The Birkin company was founded in 1982, by John Watson to manufacture performance cars and components.
John Watson is a descendant of the legendary Sir Henry “Tim Birkin” – a pioneering British racing driver and part of the “Bentley Boys’ team of Le Mans entrants of the 1920s.
The South African-based company is one of Africa’s oldest automobile companies. The S3 Roadster is the sole speciality automobile and vehicle that the intriguing Birkin Car Company produces. The Birkin S3 made its debut at the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1983. The iconic Lotus Super Seven(7) inspired the creation of the Birkin S3, which is regarded as one of the best vintage replicas ever made.
Since 1988, almost 8,000 Birkin S3s have been made globally, garnering multiple accolades and positive reviews in kit car publications and online forums. The company sells its cars in different parts of the world, including Europe, the United States, Japan, and many more. Birkin Cars has a standard production line with a production capacity of 300 vehicles annually
Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing(IVM) – Made In Nigeria
Founded in 2007 by a Nigerian born entrepreneur, Innocent Chukwuma. Originally started out around1987 as a motorcycle manufacturing company around but has since then evolved his scope of productions. His company Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing(IVM) is the first indigenous Car manufacturer in Nigeria with with a modern high quality plant Nwewi, Anambra.
The IVM brand is another notable car warmed its way to the hearts of many African car enthusiasts. It has gained rapidly gained a reputation for producing high-qaulity and stylish vehicles at pocket friendly rates.
The Company produces a wide range of vehicles from three wheeled drive “Keke”, to wide range of other array of other vehicles which include sedans, SUVs, buses and trucks which are all designed to meet the demand and needs of the African market
(One of their most popular models is the Innoson G5, a stylish sedan that offers a comfortable ride and impressive fuel efficiency)
Kantanka automobile- Made in Ghana
Established by entrepreneur and preacher Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo in 1994. Kantanka automobiles are manufactured in Ghana with a modern plant located in Gomoa Mpota. It is a luxury brand aiming to meet the needs of Ghanaians, Africans and beyond.
The brand is fast becoming a major player in the African-made automobile market and that’s why it’s seen as a source of national pride among many Ghanaians. Aside from the modern and high-quality vehicles they deliver, the brand also provides after-sales services on all their vehicles.
Kantanka Automobile manufactures high-quality luxury vehicles that are aesthetically pleasing and of industry standard. Their commitment to innovation, durability and optimum performance for African-made vehicles birthed outstanding models like; Kantanka Omama Luxury SUV, Kantanka Omama Pickup, and more.
Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) – Made in Uganda
Unlike every other African vehicle manufacturer we have discussed thus far, this brand was not owned by private citizens but by the State of Uganda. Kiira Motor Corporation (KMC) builds large city buse electric buses as well as well as smaller vehicles.
KMC is an Electric vehicle (EV) automotive company with arms of the Ugandan government and Makerere owning 96% and 4% equity stake in the company respectively.
The company is a highly innovative company committed to sustainability and prides itself on creating the first fully functional Electric car. Kiira Electric Vehicle project in 2011 resulted in Africa’s first electric car. In 2014, KMC created the Kiira EVS, Africa’s first hybrid car, and in 2016, the Kayoola Solar Bus, Africa’s first solar-electric bus.
The State Enterprise is a strategic intervention poised to contribute to the planned industrialization agenda to aid the transformation of Uganda into an upper-middle-income economy by the year 2040. A truly practical and remarkable endeavour by the Ugandan government that could serve as a source of inspiration for other governments in Africa to boost their respective economies.
Mobius Motors- Made In Kenya
The East African-based brand was established in 2011 by Joel Jackson who saw the need to build a vehicle in Africa for Africans. Mobius Motors is one of the most popular companies that designs and manufactures its vehicles in Nairobi, Kenya. The brand utilises internationally recognised quality controls throughout its production line to build each vehicle to meet world-class standards.
With many African roads plagued with rough terrains, there are not many cheap vehicles suitable for African transportation needs. Mobius Motors has a unique objective which is to fill this void by producing low-cost and durable Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) that can withstand these rough terrains.
Their flagship model, the Mobius II, is a rugged off-road vehicle designed to handle the challenging terrain often found in Africa. With a durable engine, high ground clearance, and spacious interior, the Mobius II is perfect for navigating rough roads and remote areas.
The Kenyan-based company released its first batch of low-cost vehicles towards the end of 2017 with the next generation Mobius 2 released in 2019 and then following it up with a later addition in the Mobius in 2021
NORD Motors – Made In Nigeria
Nord Automobiles is a Nigerian automotive manufacturer with headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. Founded by Ajayi Joshua Oluwatobi, the NORD brand is making its presence known by creating highly quality vehicles to meet the demands for African made automobiles.
It is a brand that is committed to providing the Nigerian and Sub-Saharan African automobile market with the best-in-class automobile vehicles.
Their vehicles are durable and affordable service while also providing high-quality after-sales services.
The Nord brand prides itself on array of wide selection of Nigerian-branded vehicles like their Nord Tank, Nord Max, Nord Tusk, Nord Flit, Nord A3 Sedan, Nord A5 SUV, Nord A7 SUV, Nord Yarn, Nord Tripper, Nord Demir and many more still to come.
SNVI- Made in Algeria
The next top manufacturer that will be discussed an Algerian based company. Similar to “Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC)” SNVI (Société Nationale des Véhicules Industriels, National Company of Industrial Vehicles in English) is a vechile manufacturing company owned by the Algrerian state.
The company was established by 1967 which makes it the oldest vehicle manufacturing company in Africa. Unlike Kiira Motors, its equity stake is 100% owned by the state.SNVI is an intergral part of the Algerian economy, producing military vehicles, trucks, buses, trailers, and tractors of the highest caliber. The majority of communters who utilize big buses to go across the nation do so via the company’s extensively distributed fleet. As of 2011, the company is said to have generated over $250 million in revenue, and as of 2023, it employed about 7,000 people.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, and Tunisia are among the nations to which SNVI sends its products.
Wallyscar- Made in Tunisia
Lastly, another exciting top vehicle manufacturer making waves in Africa is Tunisian-based named company. The Guiga brothers, Omar and Zeid, who have been fascinated with niche cars since they were young, launched “Wallyscar” in 2006. The Guiga brothers’ company has produced more than 2,200 automobiles with PSA 1.4-litre petrol engines since its founding.
Wallyscar asserts that its cars meet European standards, which is why it collaborates with Peugeot, a French automaker that supplies the engines for Wallyscar’s cars.
Despite being a family business with its headquarters in Africa, the company has grown and garnered recognition throughout the world, and it presently sells in Morocco, France, Spain, Qatar, and Panama.
Wallyscar designs and manufactures vehicles with the most dependable, economical, and small engines available because of their mutual confidence and similar values.
The Wallys brand is renowned for its 4×4 vehicles – the Izis and the Iris which are rugged, sporty, durable, affordable and able to navigate rough terrains.
Other notable African vehicle manufacturers are worth mentioning such as; Laraki Automobile – Made in Morocco, Saroukh El-Jamahiriya – Made in Libya, and Barley Edwards Cars- Made in South Africa
Final Thoughts
While Africa may not yet be known as a major player in the global automotive industry, the continent is home to a number of innovative and ambitious car manufacturers that are making a name for themselves both locally and internationally. From rugged off-road vehicles to stylish sedans, African car manufacturers are producing vehicles that are sure to impress and inspire.
So the next time you think about cars, be sure to consider the exciting options coming out of Africa.
