The European Commission’s latest automotive guidelines are steering the continent toward a zero-emission future, but for South Africa’s automotive sector, they offer little hope.
Under the new proposal, battery-electric and fuel-cell vehicles will dominate new vehicle sales after 2035, coinciding with South Africa’s Automotive Masterplan target. Yet last year, only 4% of vehicles imported to the EU came from South Africa-169,093 units-highlighting the country’s marginal role in the rapidly electrifying market.
Battery-electric vehicle sales in Europe continue to surge, surpassing internal combustion engine sales for the first time in December 2025. Despite this momentum, South Africa faces mounting challenges.
“Europe’s Automotive Package announcement is no lifeline for the South African automotive industry,” warns Hiten Parmar, Executive Director of The Electric Mission. “International regulations intensify the pressure on South Africa’s industrial transformation, with thousands of jobs at risk across the automotive value chain.”
Europe’s plan, particularly the Battery Booster component, aims to expand local EV manufacturing, presenting potential collaboration through the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership (CTIP) between the EU and South Africa. But Parmar stresses urgent action is needed: “The 2035 timeline in Europe demands strategic intervention on South Africa’s supply and demand policies. Aligning with key global markets is critical—or the industry will fall behind.”
Meanwhile, Morocco has overtaken South Africa as Africa’s top automaker, posting a 79% surge in vehicle production driven by industrial expansion, high-tech investment, and renewable energy infrastructure.
While South Africa struggles, Nigeria is seizing the EV opportunity. Saglev Electromobility Nigeria Ltd is assembling 18-seater electric vans locally, with plans for 17 new models across West Africa.
In a media comment recently, the company’s CEO Dr. Gbenga Faleye described local EV production as a proof that Nigeria can compete.
“This is a major step in Nigeria’s transition toward clean, fossil‑free transportation,” he said after launching assembly of 18‑seater electric vans locally, the first of its kind in sub‑Saharan Africa.
At Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company, executives tout their first all‑electric car as a sign of deepening local industrial capability. “We are just starting,” said Cornel Osigwe on rolling out the first Innoson‑built EV.
CIG Motors has partnered with Lagos State to build and assemble EV taxis and expand Nigeria’s charging ecosystem, another example of private‑sector momentum.
As Europe accelerates toward electric vehicles, South Africa risks falling behind, while Nigeria charges ahead with the aim of turning EV assembly into an industrial and economic advantage.
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