The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), in partnership with Afreximbank and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, have launched the inaugural Industrial Policy Executive Short Course at the Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS), in KwaZulu-Natal.

The initiative is designed to empower senior government officials across the continent to unlock automotive production opportunities and catalyse industrial development.

Backed by original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Volkswagen Group Africa, Isuzu Motors South Africa (Isuzu SA), and Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), the course is also aligned with the AfCFTA vision of regional integration and economic transformation through industrialisation.

TWIMS, known for its dedication to manufacturing education and research, manages the course programme.

The pilot cohort includes 26 high-level participants from 19 African countries, representing senior government officials from North, East, West, Central and Southern Africa.

Running over nine weeks, the programme explores technology trends, localisation strategies, regional value chains, industrial policy, while it also includes site visits to manufacturing hubs in Durban and Gqeberha.

AAAM VP and TSAM president and CEO Andrew Kirby says the course is a critical step towards fostering collaboration across Africa’s automotive ecosystem.

“Through this course, we aim to strengthen the ability of public sector leaders to shape policies and frameworks that attract investment, stimulate growth and create sustainable jobs,” he notes.

“Over the last three years, and mandated by the AfCFTA Council of Ministers responsible for trade, the AfCFTA Secretariat has been working with Afreximbank and the AAAM to pursue a strategic action plan that leverages the free trade agreement to develop an automotive value chain in Africa in a manner that enables industrialisation,” adds AfCFTA Secretariat senior adviser on regional value chains to the secretary-general, Themba Khumalo.

“This course is an opportunity to build the capacity of the AfCFTA Automotive Task Force to effectively guide the implementation of the strategy and advise the Ministers of Trade accordingly.”

Afreximbank trade facilitation and investment promotion director Dr Gainmore Zanamwe emphasises the importance of the course.

“Afreximbank envisions Africa’s future with a thriving automotive industry driving economic growth and industrialisation.

“We believe the course will equip African government officials with knowledge to harness opportunities from the continental automotive value chain.

“It will also help accelerate the finalisation of outstanding rules of origin negotiations in relation to the automotive industry.”

According to AAAM skills development working group chairperson and Isuzu SA corporate planning executive Nobuhle Renqe, informed, sector-specific policy-making is critical to accelerating industrialisation across Africa.

“This course equips decision-makers with the insights needed to craft effective regulatory frameworks that foster investment, localisation, supplier  development and job creation.”

Renqe adds that the long-term vision is to host the course every year, rotating delivery across Africa’s five regions in partnership with local institutions through TWIMS.

AAAM CEO Victoria Backhaus-Jerling has expressed her gratitude towards the programme’s partners.

“We are optimistic that, with continued collaboration, the automotive rules of origin will be finalised by October, as guided by our heads of State.”