This is the message from Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, Chief Executive Officer of the AAAM in her forecast of the year ahead.

“In 2025, we deliberately positioned the year as one of collaboration and inclusivity. Through our collective efforts, we achieved meaningful progress and strengthened partnerships across the value chain.

She says that in 2026, AAAM will focus on several strategic priorities, building on the successful establishment of its North Africa office in 2025. “This strategic presence strengthens our continental footprint, enhances engagement with regional stakeholders and reinforces North Africa’s integral role within Africa’s automotive and industrial value chains.”

AAAM will focus on several strategic priorities, Victoria says. These are:

First, unlocking intra-African trade through the ratification of the automotive Rules of Origin under the AfCFTA. In February, Heads of State are expected to formally adopt the 40% African originating content threshold, an important milestone that will allow automotive products to begin trading under the AfCFTA framework, according to her.

Second, accelerating automotive policy implementation across the continent. The rollout and refinement of automotive policies in Egypt, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Senegal, Tanzania and Algeria will be supported, while engagement with new markets such as Angola will continue.

Third, advancing component manufacturing and localisation. The objective is to secure at least five concrete component manufacturing investments in Africa, driven by targeted matchmaking, feasibility studies and strategic partnerships.

Fourth, sustainability and new energy technologies. Advance work on remanufacturing, alternative powertrains, micromobility solutions and enabling legislation that supports the full spectrum of New Energy Vehicle technologies will continue. The objective is to achieve broad policy inclusion across African countries and promote greater regional alignment.

Fifth, automotive data and market intelligence. AAAM will continue to source, develop and provide reliable automotive data and statistics across the continent. Accurate and credible data remains critical for informed policymaking, investment decisions and tracking the progress of Africa’s automotive industrialisation.

Sixth, skills development. AAAM will continue building capacity across government and industry through the second cohort of the Government Executive Short Course and the launch of an Industry Executive Short Course, ensuring Africa’s automotive future is powered by skilled people.

Seventh, mineral beneficiation and value chain integration. As a strategic partner to the 2026 Mining Indaba, AAAM will help connect Africa’s mineral wealth to automotive manufacturing opportunities, strengthening a truly pan-African value chain.

And finally, affordable mobility. Through collaboration with vehicle asset financing stakeholders, AAAM says it will continue working towards accessible and sustainable mobility solutions for Africans.

“All of these initiatives are underpinned by a single commitment: to deliver greater impact for our members and stakeholders, strengthen collaboration and deepen partnerships that accelerate sustainable industrial growth across the continent,” she concludes.