The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) has appointed Cabral Ngubane as its new project manager focused on expanding the manufacturing of components for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) assembly plants and the aftermarket on the continent.

Ngubane is based in the AAAM Johannesburg office.

“We are delighted to welcome Cabral to the AAAM team and congratulate him on his appointment,” says AAAM CEO Victoria Backhaus-Jerling.

“His role will be instrumental in unlocking growth opportunities for component manufacturing and trade, both regionally and across the African continent.

“This will support the development of competitive automotive value chains, serving both OEM assembly and the replacement parts sector.”

Backhaus-Jerling adds that the expansion of the AAAM team reflects the industry body’s 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 auto 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 notes that close collaboration with industry associations, business chambers, government bodies, regulatory authorities, and AAAM members and donors will be central to the success of Ngubane’s role.

Ngubane previously served as director and engineer at AziB Manufacturing Technologies.

He has also held various senior roles in the auto industry, 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.

The AAAM has a presence across the continent, with offices in Ghana supporting West Africa; in Tunisia, with a focus on growth in North Africa; and in South Africa, with the office overseeing initiatives in East and Southern Africa.