The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) has appointed a new Project Manager.
Cabral Ngubane (photo) assumed the position on 1 July 2025. He will be based at the AAAM Johannesburg office, the role will focus on expanding manufacturing of components for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) assembly and the aftermarket on the continent.
"We are delighted to welcome Cabral to the AAAM team and congratulate him on his appointment. His role will be instrumental in unlocking growth opportunities for component manufacturing and trade both regionally and across the African continent," says Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, CEO of AAAM. "This will support the development of competitive automotive value chains, serving both OEM assembly and the replacement parts sector."
Victoria adds that the expansion of the AAAM team reflects its commitment to facilitating complementary vehicle and component manufacturing across Africa, in alignment with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
"Component manufacturing is a critical pillar of the automotive value chain. We aim to foster stronger partnerships between existing OEM suppliers and new entrants from across the AfCFTA region seeking access to both OEM and aftermarket supply chains."
She further highlighted that close collaboration with industry associations, business chambers, government bodies, regulatory authorities, and AAAM members and donors will be central to the success of this role.
Cabral previously served as Director and Engineer at AziB Manufacturing Technologies. He has also held senior roles including Production Manager at L&J Tools and Engineering Works, and Quality and Productivity Manager at Toyota South Africa Motors. He holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
AAAM has a presence across the continent, with offices in Ghana supporting West Africa, Tunisia focusing on growth in North Africa, and South Africa overseeing initiatives in East and Southern Africa.
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Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin
Dunlop Tyres South Africa has completed a R1.7 billion investment programme at its uMnambithi (Ladysmith) manufacturing facility, introducing new manufacturing technology and expanding production capabilities at the plant.
The South African automotive industry has gained some breathing space following the latest move by the United States Senate to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, to the end of 2028.
General Motors (GM) has renewed its joint venture with China's SAIC Motor Corp for another 20 years, enabling the United States (US) automaker to use China as an export hub amid rising competition from Chinese brands in and outside their home market.
