This is a free preview of the upcoming Africa EVs Weekly Digest, part of the new CGSP Intelligence service launching in Summer 2025.
Chinese automakers are reshaping the electric vehicle (EV) market with a tech-first strategy and competitive pricing. This is, especially true in regions like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is also a source of second-hand vehicles for some African countries.
In addition, the two-wheeler market continues to grow not only in African countries but also in the regions of China from which these electric motorcycles are sourced.
While this combination drives rapid market growth for Chinese brands, it remains to be seen whether African countries will fully tap into the EV value chain while ensuring the availability of spare parts and software upgrades for vehicles bought from China.
This week on EVs in Africa:
BasiGo Partners With CATL For Battery Systems Maintenance in Sub-Saharan Africa
Kenya’s first mover in electric bus deployment has partnered with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), the world’s largest electric vehicle battery maker.
Under the agreement with the Chinese EV battery maker, BasiGo will serve as CATL’s authorized service agent in Sub-Saharan Africa. This partnership will see BasiGo receiving specialized training and equipment to provide full service and support for CATL battery products in Africa.
Why This Matters: This partnership also facilitates technology transfer, making localization a reality as African countries position themselves for EV manufacturing. The BasiGo centers will also act as collection points for end-of-life CATL batteries, supporting safe disposal and sustainable recycling efforts.
Chongqing’s Major Play in Africa’s E-Motorcycle Collaboration
The two-wheeler market is electrifying faster than any other e-mobility space in many African countries, making it a lucrative investment sector.
Most of these e-bikes come from Chongqing, a global hub for motorcycle manufacturing.
Why This Matters: Chinese customs data show year-on-year volume growth and a 25.9 percent increase in value, reaching $2.86 billion last year. African countries should ensure that some aspects of the e-bike value chain benefit the local economy.
The UAE’s Shifting Car Market
The UAE’s car market is shifting from a stronghold of Japanese and German brands as Chinese automakers make inroads into the region with vehicles that blend sleek design, advanced electric technology, and competitive pricing.
As the shift reshapes consumer perceptions and expands choices for drivers in the UAE, some of these vehicles will eventually end up in African countries, where this choice is limited by cost.
Why This Matters: Apart from South Africa, many other Sub-Saharan African countries have minimal manufacturing activity, forcing them to import their vehicles from regions like the UAE. E-waste remains a concern as EVs become more common in majorly second-hand vehicle markets.
Struggling Chinese EV Maker Neta Faces Trouble in Thailand
The troubled Chinese carmaker Neta has failed to meet the local production requirements needed to qualify for Thai government subsidies. It is also facing mounting backlash as restructuring at its parent company disrupts parts supply, including delayed payments to local suppliers. This has led to steep price cuts, with some new models now selling for half their original price.
The setbacks are raising questions in Bangkok and could prompt officials to reconsider aspects of the country’s electric vehicle policy.
Why This Matters: Neta is a popular Chinese EV brand in countries like Kenya. This latest setback could hit new sales and raise maintenance concerns among owners.
Toyota, Nissan Rare Footing in China’s EV Market
Toyota and Nissan have become the “lone warriors” in China’s unforgiving EV development environment.
The two companies have generated overwhelming pre-order demand for the BZ3X, developed by Toyota in partnership with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), and the Nissan N7, produced with Dongfeng. Sales have outpaced production in the first quarter of their debut.
Why This Matters: Toyota and Nissan are popular in many African countries, and depending on how well these new brands perform, they could leverage their networks and infrastructure to replicate their ICE vehicle success with their brand loyalists in the regional market.
In Context
Second-hand vehicles dominate many African countries’ transport sectors. These countries risk missing out on the benefits of electric mobility if they continue with policies that keep forcing buyers into the used vehicle market.The takeaway: Many countries face critical job creation challenges, and a dominant second-hand vehicle market prevents these much-needed jobs from being created in the EV value chain. A rethink of policy is what will allow many of these countries to gain a foothold in the manufacturing sector.
