It is no news that Africa has been backward in the production of goods, especially automobiles and other new technologies. The continent is seen as a major consumer, spending ridiculous amounts of money on technologies produced by other continents. Most of the companies producing mobile phones, automobiles and other forms of technology have Africa as one of their major target markets. There is absolutely no sync between African’s love for technology and their passion to be involved in the production.
However, a few Africans have tried and succeeded in redeeming Africa’s reputation when it comes to the production of world-class technology, particularly automobiles. Some of the cars manufactured by Africans in Africa are
Innoson Motors (Nigeria)
Established by Chief Dr Innocent Chukwuma, Innoson Motors is the pioneer car brand to be manufactured in Nigeria. Innoson motors have not less than 500 made in Nigeria cars selling between N1.5 and N3.5 million. They have been producing luxury vehicles, trucks as well as minibuses to the Nigerian market. 70% of the car parts are produced locally while the rest is being imported from Japan, China and Germany.
The Kantanka (Ghana)
Produced by Ghanian apostle, Kwadwo Safo and situated in Gomoa Mpota, Ghana, the Kantaka motors are already largely in use by Africans. they were also designed and created in Ghana. The Kantanka range of cars includes both saloon and four-wheel drives.
Kiira Motors Corporation (Uganda)
This brand of African automobiles was initially developed by students from Makerere University, Uganda for a project headed by Massachusetts Institute ofTechnology (MIT), the sedan hybrid electric vehicle called the Kiira EV SMACK was designed for the region, local terrain and consumers’ ability to afford the car. It is powered by a rechargeable battery and also has an internal combustion engine-based generator which charges the battery. They are producers of Africa’s first solar-powered electric bus, Africa’s first hybrid electric vehicle and Africa’s first electric vehicle.
Saroukh el-Jamahiriya (Libya)
Designed especially for former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 1999, the “Libyan rocket” as it was called, was designed and built in Libya. It was one of the first cars to have airbags for all four seats. Sadly, it never went into full-time production even though designers claimed it to be one of the safest cars ever made, comparable to Volvo and Saab because of some innovative safety features, including the ability to drive for miles on flat tyres and a full electronic safety system with airbags.
Bailey Edwards (South Africa)
Produced by brothers Peter and Greg Bailey in 2013, Bailey Edwards is a sports car manufacturer based in South Africa. The group builds and customises classic performance cars such as the Porsche 917 and the Ferrari P4 for clients around the world. their cars have raced in both national and international racing tournaments and are sought-after by collectors around the world.
______
Olatorera Consultancy Limited is a new-generation consulting company providing business development and consulting services to established companies and high net-worth individuals. Olatorera Consultancy provides critical and analytical services to companies under our radar to enable them innovate and serve their clients more effectively and efficiently using digital resources and modern strategies. Olatorera Consultancy provides the seal and stamp of Africa’s Best to enable great companies compete stronger on a global scale. Olatorera Consultancy publishes an annual list of “Africa’s Best 100 Companies” and “Africa’s Best 100 Leaders”.