Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – Morocco has consolidated its position as one of the main engines of Africa’s automotive industry. Alongside South Africa, it forms a duopoly that accounts for more than 91% of the continent’s total vehicle production, according to NAAMSA’s Automotive Trade Manual 2026.
South Africa produced 618,077 vehicles in 2025, while Morocco reached 501,965 units. The rest of the continent combined produced just over 108,000 units.
The figures reflect Morocco’s steady industrial expansion and a wider imbalance across Africa, where only a few countries sustain large-scale manufacturing.
Africa continues to play a limited role in global vehicle manufacturing. In 2025, the continent produced 1.23 million vehicles, a slight decline of 0.3% compared with the previous year. Global output reached 96.4 million units, up 3.9%, leaving Africa with just 1.3% of total production.
The industry remains concentrated in major global hubs, led by China, the US, Japan and India. Africa’s integration into high-value automotive chains remains weak, with most countries operating at the margins of global production systems.
South Africa under pressure despite scale
South Africa remains the continent’s largest producer and ranks 21st globally, with output of 618,077 vehicles in 2025, up 2.9% year-on-year.
The sector hosts global manufacturers such as Toyota, BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, supported by a network of more than 500 suppliers.
Local production includes key components such as engines, gear systems and braking parts. Local content can reach around 40% in some models, though overall industrial integration remains below 24%.
Passenger vehicle production stood at 329,600 units, placing South Africa behind Morocco in this segment. Output relies on a limited number of high-volume models, which reduces flexibility across plants.
Morocco expands its lead in passenger vehicles
Morocco ranks as Africa’s second-largest vehicle producer, with 501,965 units in 2025, representing 40.8% of total continental output. Although production declined by 11.5% compared with 2024, the country maintains a clear lead in passenger vehicles.
Passenger car production reached 493,004 units, placing Morocco ahead of South Africa by more than 160,000 units in this segment.
The sector relies on two main industrial groups, Renault Group and Stellantis, supported by more than 260 suppliers across the country.
Outside South Africa and Morocco, automotive production remains limited. Algeria ranks third with around 53,000 units, while Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Tunisia and Uganda operate on a much smaller scale.
Future growth will depend on how quickly key producers adapt to electric mobility. Morocco and South Africa both rely heavily on exports, which makes compliance with global emissions standards a central factor in maintaining competitiveness.
