AAAM appoints new project manager

The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) is accelerating its efforts to strengthen industrialisation and develop Africa's automotive value chain through the appointment of a new Project Manager.

AAAM

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.

More Industry News stories

Legal setback for Phelan as MB patent case collapses

Legal setback for Phelan as MB patent case collapses

Mercedes-Benz has successfully fended off a high-profile patent infringement claim, after a US court dismissed allegations brought by The Phelan Group with prejudice, ending a dispute that had lingered for months.

  • 8 December 2025
Big bakkies under fire: ANCAP pushes safety beyond strength

Big bakkies under fire: ANCAP pushes safety beyond strength

Australia’s growing love affair with oversized bakkies (or Utes as they are known Down Under) has sparked a fresh safety review by ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program). This time, it is not just about surviving a crash, but avoiding one altogether.

  • 5 December 2025