AAAM, AfCFTA Secretariat, and Afreximbank Launch Second Annual Automotive Executive Short Course in Accra, Ghana
The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), in collaboration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has officially launched the second annual Automotive Executive Short Course (ESC) aimed at senior government officials. The program commenced on June 15, 2026, in Accra, Ghana, and will run until August 7, 2026.
Strengthening Africa’s Automotive Sector
This initiative, academically supported by the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS), is designed to enhance the capabilities of public sector leaders in advancing the continent’s automotive industrialization agenda. The course aims to facilitate practical implementation under the AfCFTA framework.
The inaugural program in 2025 focused on unlocking Africa’s automotive industry potential. In contrast, the 2026 Executive Short Course emphasizes practical execution aligned with the AfCFTA Automotive Framework Agreement. The theme for this year’s course is “Driving AfCFTA Execution to Develop Africa’s Automotive Value Chain Potential.”
Program Structure and Objectives
The eight-week program will convene senior policymakers, trade officials, and industrial development leaders from across Africa. Participants will deepen their understanding of automotive value chains and strengthen their ability to develop and implement policies that align with AfCFTA objectives.
Africa’s automotive industry is increasingly recognized as a strategic sector capable of supporting industrialization, job creation, skills development, technology transfer, and regional economic integration. To unlock this potential, coordinated policy delivery and enhanced collaboration between governments and industry are essential.
The Executive Short Course is structured into three integrated phases. The first phase includes a five-day Automotive Seminar Week in Accra from June 15 to 19, 2026. The second phase comprises a six-week online Automotive Policy and Strategy Assignment, where participants will collaborate in syndicate teams to develop AfCFTA-aligned automotive policy frameworks. The final phase will take place in Durban, South Africa, from August 3 to 7, 2026, featuring a Learning Consolidation and Best Practice Study Week, including visits to leading automotive manufacturers and technology centers.
Key Topics and Industry Insights
Participants will explore critical topics such as the structure of the global automotive value chain, emerging trends like new energy vehicles and mobility services, and opportunities within the African automotive market. The course will also address industrial policy design, regional value chain development, and the implementation requirements of the AfCFTA Automotive Framework Agreement.
Moreover, the program will offer direct exposure to successful automotive manufacturing operations through industry site visits in both Ghana and South Africa.
Expert Insights on the Automotive Sector
Dr. Gainmore Zanamwe, Director of Trade Facilitation and Investment Promotion at Afreximbank, emphasized the importance of Africa’s automotive sector as a key opportunity for industrial delivery under the AfCFTA. He noted that building competitive automotive value chains requires more than just capital; it necessitates coordinated policy, robust institutions, and technical capacity to connect production, finance, and markets across borders. He stated that Afreximbank is committed to equipping public sector leaders with the tools necessary to support industrialization and deepen intra-African trade.
Themba Khumalo, Director of the Private Sector Unit at the AfCFTA Secretariat, remarked on the necessity of translating commitments into actionable policies. He highlighted the automotive sector’s potential to integrate manufacturing, services, logistics, and skills development, thereby enhancing Africa’s participation in automotive value chains.
Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, Chief Executive Officer of AAAM, pointed out that Africa has moved beyond discussions of regional integration to focus on execution. She stressed that developing competitive automotive value chains will require coordinated policy action and strategic partnerships. Backhaus-Jerling expressed gratitude to industry partners, including Isuzu Motors South Africa, Volkswagen Group Africa, and Toyota South Africa Motors, for their support in sponsoring the program.
Certification and Broader Goals
Participants who successfully complete all three phases of the program will receive a Course Completion Certificate accredited by TWIMS. This Executive Short Course is part of broader efforts by AAAM and its partners to cultivate a competitive, integrated, and sustainable African automotive ecosystem capable of generating jobs, attracting investment, and strengthening intra-African trade.
For more information, visit Afreximbank.
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Published on 2026-06-19 18:03:00 • By the Editorial Desk
