AAAM elects new continental leadership for 2026 to 2028

Tarek Mosaad (photo), President and Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Motor Middle East and Africa, has been elected President of AAAM. He succeeds Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa, who led the association during the previous term.

The newly elected office bearers are: President: Tarek Mosaad, Hyundai Middle East and Africa. Vice-President North Africa: Ankush Arora, Al Mansour Automotive. Vice-President East Africa: Serge Kamuhinda, Volkswagen Mobility Solutions Rwanda. Vice-President West Africa: Kassem Odaymat, Rana Motors. Vice-President Southern Africa: Billy Tom, Isuzu Motors South Africa. Vice-President Components: Dr Markus Thill, Bosch Africa Region.

AAAM Chief Executive Officer Victoria Backhaus-Jerling congratulated the incoming office bearers and expressed confidence in their collective experience. “AAAM welcomes the election of Tarek Mosaad and the incoming vice-presidents. Their extensive experience across Africa’s diverse automotive markets will be invaluable as we work with governments, development institutions and industry partners to move from policy development towards implementation,” she says.

“Our priority remains to support the development of coherent automotive policies, deepen localisation, attract investment and strengthen regional production and trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Effective collaboration across Africa’s regions will be essential if the continent is to establish a globally competitive and sustainable automotive industry.”

Tarek says he was honoured to take on the role and looked forward to working with AAAM members and partners. “Africa presents significant opportunities for automotive growth, but realising this potential will require greater alignment between governments, manufacturers, suppliers, financiers and development partners. I look forward to building on the strong foundation established by the outgoing leadership and supporting AAAM’s work to expand vehicle production, strengthen regional value chains and improve access to affordable and sustainable mobility across the continent.”

AAAM has also constituted an Advisory Board to provide institutional continuity, regional insight and strategic guidance. The Advisory Board comprises Immediate Past President Martina Biene of Volkswagen Group Africa, Past President Mike Whitfield of Stellantis South Africa, Bronwyn Kilpatrick of Toyota South Africa, Jeffrey Peprah of Volkswagen Ghana and Dr Ahmed Fikry of East Port Said and Egyptian German Automotive.

Reflecting on her term as AAAM Martina thanked members, partners and the secretariat for their support. “I would like to congratulate the newly elected AAAM office bearers, and I wish them every success as they continue to advance Africa’s automotive agenda and unlock new opportunities for growth, trade and job creation across the continent.”