• Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, AAAM CEO.
In this interview, Victoria Backhaus-Jerling is the CEO of South Africa-based African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) highlights the importance of providing a legal framework for Nigeria’s auto policy and supporting its implementation with trade-related investment measures.
How would you introduce AAAM? What were the reasons for its establishment?
The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) is the continent’s only dedicated automotive industry body, established to drive the growth and industrialisation of Africa’s automotive sector.
AAAM works closely with African governments and pan-African organisations to develop enabling policies, attract investment and implement industrial strategies that support the creation of inclusive and resilient automotive ecosystems.
Our focus is on supporting sustainable, affordable mobility while aligning with continental growth priorities. As a strong advocate of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), AAAM is advocating for regional integration and the building of local value chains to unlock intra-African trade in vehicles and components.We also advise on industrial and trade policy to help African countries position themselves as hubs for vehicle and component production and assembly.
In essence, AAAM exists to shape and accelerate the development of a competitive, globally integrated automotive industry across Africa.
About 10 years after its formation, what would you say are the association’s achievements?
Since its formal establishment, AAAM has grown from 17 members to over 70 members from across Africa, after the association started fully operating in 2020– a clear indicator of its growing strategic importance across the continent.
We’ve actively lobbied for the development and implementation of automotive legislation in several African countries. Today, key markets such as Egypt, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Nigeria are making tangible progress in shaping policy and regulatory frameworks – signalling strong momentum toward industry development.
We have, in collaboration with the AfCFTA Secretariat and other stakeholders, developed continental auto strategy and implementation plan.
We believe deeper collaboration will be critical to driving scale, complementarity, and inclusive growth across Africa’s emerging automotive economies.
The continent is poised to become the world’s final automotive frontier – a vision that is fast becoming reality.Another remarkable achievement is the launch of the inaugural Industrial Policy Executive Short Course (ESC) in May.
It is a strategic partnership with Afreximbank, AfCFTA and AAAM, and is managed by the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS).
This first-of-its-kind programme is empowering senior government officials from various African countries to drive informed, sector-specific policy decisions that foster localisation, supplier development, investment and sustainable growth in the automotive sector.
With strong backing from OEMs, the ESC is not just a course – it’s a collaborative platform for shaping the future of mobility across the continent.
Are there continental or global bodies that are either supporting or partnering with AAAM?
Yes, AAAM has established strong partnerships with a range of influential continental and global bodies to advance Africa’s automotive industry.
Key partners include Afreximbank, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), the AfCFTA Secretariat, and local automotive associations, such as NAMA.
What is your view on Nigeria’s Auto Policy that is yet to be given legal support and what are the implications?
Nigeria is a market with enormous potential. However, the automotive policy (Nigerian Automotive Industry Development, NAIDP) remains without legal backing – a significant limitation to its enforcement and long-term success.
A formal Auto Bill still needs to be passed and enacted into law.AAAM continues to engage key stakeholders from the industry and we value our strong partnership with the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).
Political will is essential. Without legislation and effective implementation of a progressive automotive policy, the country risks an unchecked influx of grey imports and reduced investor confidence in the sector.
I saw many empty plants, which used to manufacture vehicles and components. This was sad to see, as on the other hand hundreds of thousands of used vehicles get imported into the country without adding any value.
The implementation of a policy supported by trade-related investment measures could be transformative for Nigeria – catalysing local production, creating jobs, and strengthening regional value chains.
Aside from the Auto Policy, are there other areas AAAM would suggest to Nigeria to improve on, in the auto sector?
Developing and implementing an effective auto programme is always the first step as it signals potential investors and local companies as well as the government’s commitment to develop an industry. Our industry is in it for the long haul, but for that we need planning and assurance.
In a recent presentation, you recommended regional collaboration and the establishment of hubs, as a means of enhancing development in the auto industries across Africa. Please, expatriate
Not every country can participate in every aspect of the automotive value chain. A collaborative and strategic approach is essential to ensure shared growth and meaningful industrialisation across the continent.
The automotive industry operates as a global production and trade system, led by OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and driven by economies of scale.
To be competitive, countries must manufacture at sufficient scale – and this is where the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) becomes a game-changer.
With the right policies, strategy, and ecosystem development, Africa can produce between 3.5 and 5 million vehicles annually…
(Culled from The Sun)
