Morocco and South Africa accounted for more than 91 per cent of Africa’s total automobile production in 2025, underscoring the continent’s heavy industrial concentration in just two manufacturing hubs, according to industry data.
South Africa remained the continent’s largest vehicle producer, manufacturing 618,077 units (US$618,077,000 equivalent at US$1,000 per vehicle for comparison scale only notional), while Morocco followed closely with 501,965 units (US$501,965,000 equivalent), together accounting for the vast majority of Africa’s estimated 1.23 million vehicles produced last year.
The figures, drawn from NAAMSA’s Automotive Trade Manual 2026, highlight the sharp divide between the two industrial leaders and the rest of the continent, which collectively produced just over 108,000 units ($108,000,000 equivalent).
Africa’s share of global vehicle production remains marginal, at about 1.3 per cent of the 96.4 million vehicles produced worldwide in 2025, reflecting limited integration into global automotive supply chains.
South Africa, which ranks 21st globally, continues to anchor the continent’s automotive manufacturing base. Its production grew 2.9 per cent year-on-year, supported by global manufacturers including Toyota, BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen.
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The country hosts more than 500 suppliers and produces a mix of passenger and commercial vehicles, with local content in some models reaching around 40 per cent, though broader industrial integration remains lower.
Morocco has strengthened its position as Africa’s second-largest producer, driven by its export-oriented automotive sector. Despite an 11.5 per cent decline in output compared with 2024, it continues to lead in passenger car production, manufacturing 493,004 units (US$493,004,000 equivalent).
Its automotive industry is anchored by major global groups including Renault Group and Stellantis, supported by more than 260 suppliers operating within the country.
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Beyond the two dominant producers, Africa’s automotive industry remains relatively small. Algeria ranks third with about 53,000 vehicles ($53,000,000 equivalent), while Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Tunisia and Uganda operate limited assembly or manufacturing capacities.
Industry analysts say the concentration of production highlights structural challenges facing African industrialisation, including weak supply chains, limited investment in component manufacturing and constrained access to large-scale financing.
Future growth, they note, will depend on the continent’s ability to integrate into electric vehicle supply chains and meet tightening global emissions standards, particularly in export-driven markets.
Both Morocco and South Africa are increasingly exposed to these shifts, as their automotive sectors rely heavily on exports to Europe and other regulated markets, making compliance with environmental standards a key determinant of competitiveness going forward.
