Based at the AAAM Johannesburg office, the incumbent’s role will focus on expanding the manufacturing of components for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) assembly and the aftermarket across the continent. Edoardo Cabral Ngubane assumed the position recently.

"We are delighted to welcome Cabral to the AAAM team and congratulate him on his appointment. His role will be instrumental in unlocking growth opportunities for component manufacturing and trade both regionally and across the African continent," says Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, Chief Executive of AAAM. "This will support the development of competitive automotive value chains, serving both OEM assembly and the replacement parts sector."

She added that the expansion of the AAAM team reflects its commitment to facilitating complementary vehicle and component manufacturing across Africa, in alignment with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. "Component manufacturing is a critical pillar of the automotive value chain. We aim to foster stronger partnerships between existing OEM suppliers and new entrants from across the AfCFTA region seeking access to both OEM and aftermarket supply chains."

She further emphasised that close collaboration with industry associations, business chambers, government bodies, regulatory authorities and AAAM members and donors will be central to the success of this role.

Commenting on his appointment, Edoardo says: "I'm honoured to join AAAM at such a pivotal time. I look forward to contributing to the development and sustainable growth of Africa's automotive industry."

He previously served as Director and Engineer at AziB Manufacturing Technologies. He has also held senior roles, including Production Manager at L&J Tools and Engineering Works, and Quality and Productivity Manager at Toyota South Africa Motors. He holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

AAAM has a presence across the continent, with offices in Ghana supporting West Africa, Tunisia focusing on growth in North Africa and South Africa overseeing initiatives in East and Southern Africa.