10 African Countries With Indigenous Car Manufacturing Brands

Africa’s automotive industry is gradually expanding beyond the assembly of international vehicle brands, with several countries developing their own automobile manufacturers and locally branded vehicles.

From Nigeria’s Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing and Nord Automobiles to Ghana’s Kantanka and Uganda’s Kiira Motors, these companies produce a variety of vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, buses, pickups and specialised vehicles.

Although production levels differ from one manufacturer to another, the companies represent growing efforts across Africa to strengthen local vehicle manufacturing and reduce dependence on imported automobiles.

1. Nigeria – Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing

Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) is a Nigerian automobile manufacturer based in Nnewi, Anambra State.

The company produces passenger cars, SUVs, buses, pickup trucks and other commercial vehicles. IVM has positioned its products as vehicles designed and manufactured to meet African road and operating conditions.

It remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent indigenous automobile manufacturers.

2. Nigeria – Nord Automobiles

Nord Automobiles is another Nigerian vehicle manufacturer based in Lagos.

The company produces locally branded vehicles, including the Nord A3, A5, A7, A9, C3, Demir, Max, Tusk, Tank and Tripper.

Its product range includes SUVs, sedans and utility vehicles, while the company has also promoted locally developed hybrid vehicle technology.

3. Ghana – Kantanka Automobile

Kantanka Automobile is a Ghanaian vehicle manufacturer founded by Apostle Kwadwo Safo.

The company has developed vehicles under its own brand, including SUVs, saloon cars and utility vehicles.

Kantanka has become one of Ghana’s best-known indigenous automotive brands and reflects the country’s efforts to increase local participation in vehicle manufacturing.

4. Uganda – Kiira Motors Corporation

Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC) is a Ugandan state-backed automobile manufacturer focused on developing vehicles suited to African markets.

The company is particularly known for its electric mobility projects, including the Kiira EV and Kayoola range of electric buses.

Its activities form part of Uganda’s broader efforts to establish a domestic automotive industry while promoting cleaner transportation.

5. Egypt – El Nasr Automotive Manufacturing Company

El Nasr Automotive Manufacturing Company is Egypt’s state-owned automobile manufacturer and one of the country’s oldest vehicle manufacturers.

Established in 1960, the company has resumed active production following years of limited operations.

In May 2026, El Nasr announced the production of its 1,000th locally manufactured passenger vehicle. The company also produces buses and minibuses.

In June 2026, El Nasr signed a strategic agreement with China’s FAW Group aimed at producing various vehicles under the Nasr brand.

6. Morocco – Laraki

Laraki is a Moroccan luxury and performance-car manufacturer founded by designer and entrepreneur Abdeslam Laraki.

Unlike mass-market manufacturers, the company focuses on limited-production, high-performance vehicles.

Its best-known projects include the Fulgura, Borac and Epitome sports cars, making Laraki one of Africa’s most distinctive indigenous automotive brands.

7. Tunisia – Wallyscar

Wallyscar is a Tunisian automobile manufacturer established in the 2000s.

The company has developed compact and lightweight vehicles, including the Izis and Iris models.

Wallyscar is among the African manufacturers seeking to develop vehicles under locally owned brands rather than relying solely on the assembly of international marques.

8. South Africa – Birkin Cars

Birkin Cars is a South African sports-car manufacturer known for producing lightweight roadsters inspired by the Lotus Seven concept.

Its Birkin S3 model has attracted performance enthusiasts in South Africa and international markets.

The company represents Africa’s low-volume sports-car manufacturing sector rather than the mass-market automobile industry.

9. Algeria – SNVI

Société Nationale des Véhicules Industriels (SNVI) is an Algerian manufacturer specialising mainly in commercial and industrial vehicles.

Its production has included trucks, buses, coaches and other heavy-duty vehicles used in transportation and industrial operations.

SNVI plays an important role in Algeria’s commercial-vehicle manufacturing sector.

10. Nigeria – Proforce

Proforce is a Nigerian company involved in the manufacture of specialised vehicles and mobility solutions.

It is particularly known for producing armoured and security vehicles rather than conventional passenger cars.

Its inclusion highlights the wider scope of Africa’s automotive industry, which extends beyond family vehicles and SUVs to specialised mobility and security solutions.

Growing African Automotive Industry

The presence of indigenous manufacturers in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa and Algeria demonstrates the growing ambition to develop Africa’s automotive manufacturing capacity.

While many African countries continue to rely heavily on imported vehicles and international brands, local manufacturers are increasingly producing vehicles tailored to regional markets and operating conditions.

Brazilian Activist Urges Tunisia to Free Four Gaza Flotilla Organisers

A Brazilian activist has called on Tunisian authorities to release four activists involved in the Global Sumud Flotilla, who have reportedly been detained in Tunisia for more than five months.

Thiago Avila, a Brazilian activist who previously participated in the Gaza flotilla campaign, made the appeal in a video message posted on social media on Tuesday.

The four Tunisian activists — Nabil Channoufi, Ghassan Henchiri, Ghassan Boughdiri and Wael Naouar — were previously detained by Israel after taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international campaign that sought to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel's blockade.

They were released by Israeli authorities and returned to Tunisia in October. According to fellow activists, Tunisian counterterrorism authorities arrested them again in February after they announced plans for another aid mission to Gaza.

The activists are reportedly being held at Mornaguia Prison in Tunis. A report by the UK-based Morning Star said they were detained by a Tunisian National Guard financial crimes unit over allegations including money laundering, fraud and misuse of funds raised through donations to the flotilla campaign.

Avila said the prolonged detention had separated the activists from their families and criticised their continued imprisonment.

He also raised concerns about the health of Wael Naouar, saying the activist had been on hunger strike for at least seven days and was suffering from serious medical problems, including fainting and vomiting blood.

“No one should be detained and separated from their families for acting in solidarity with a people victim of a genocide,” Avila said.

The Tunisian government has not publicly commented on the arrests or the allegations against the four activists.

The Global Sumud Flotilla is part of a wider international campaign seeking to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Activists have launched several flotilla missions in recent years, some of which have been intercepted by Israeli forces.

Activists have also accused Tunisia of restricting flotilla-related activities and preventing gatherings linked to the campaigns, which have frequently used the Sidi Bou Said port to organise missions to Gaza.

European Gas Hits Highest Level Since 2023 as War Fears Stoke Inflation

European natural gas prices climbed to their highest level since 2023 on Wednesday, while oil prices reached a five-week high as renewed fighting between the United States and Iran raised concerns about prolonged inflation and higher interest rates.

Gas prices at the Dutch TTF hub rose above €75 per megawatt-hour, marking their highest level since early 2023, before easing to around €73.67. Brent crude also gained, briefly rising above $97 a barrel before settling around $95.55.

The increase in energy costs placed further pressure on global bond markets. The yield on the US 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.82 per cent, its highest level since 2023, amid concerns that central banks could face renewed pressure to raise interest rates to contain inflation.

European borrowing costs also increased. Germany's 10-year government bond yield reached about 3.4 per cent, its highest level since 2011, while UK borrowing costs rose to a level not seen since the global financial crisis.

Investors have become increasingly concerned about the potential economic impact of renewed US-Iran hostilities, particularly because the two countries are competing for influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil shipments.

European gas markets are also facing concerns over winter supplies. Gas storage facilities across the European Union were about 63 per cent full at the end of August, significantly below the bloc's target of 80 per cent ahead of winter.

Germany has warned that it could struggle to meet its national storage target, while Italy has already filled around 83 per cent of its capacity.

Although European officials do not currently expect a major winter supply crisis, insufficient storage could force countries to purchase more expensive gas on the spot market during colder months.

The rise in energy prices is already contributing to inflationary pressures. Eurozone inflation accelerated to 3.3 per cent in August, with energy prices rising by 14.3 per cent.

Stock markets were also affected. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell about 3 per cent, South Korea's Kospi dropped 3.8 per cent, while the Stoxx Europe 600 declined 0.2 per cent. The S&P 500 gained 0.4 per cent but remained lower for the week.

Analysts warned that continued increases in energy prices could further weigh on bonds, equities and other riskier assets if the US-Iran conflict persists.

Tinubu’s Defeat Will Make Me First Target, Wike Says

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has said he expects to become the first political target if President Bola Tinubu loses the 2027 presidential election to opposition figures Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi.

Wike made the statement during a media chat monitored by Daily Trust, stressing that he is fully aware of the political consequences of his decision to openly support Tinubu’s re-election.

According to the minister, his strong backing for Tinubu has already made him a major target among his political opponents.

> “I will be the first politician that I think they will come after. I will be the first politician. I know they will come for my head,” Wike said.

Despite the possibility of facing political retaliation, Wike said he has no regrets about supporting Tinubu and remains determined to campaign for the president’s second term.

He said his current political activities are largely focused on securing Tinubu’s re-election.

> “Each day I sleep, I am thinking about the president’s reelection. When I am eating, I think about the president’s reelection. Everything I am doing now is about the president’s reelection,” he stated.

The former Rivers State governor also dismissed criticism and name-calling from his opponents, saying he remains focused on supporting Tinubu.

Wike’s position has placed him in an unusual political situation ahead of the 2027 election. Although he remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he is supporting Tinubu, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), against opposition politicians including Atiku and Obi.

His decision has also contributed to tensions within the PDP as opposition parties and politicians continue efforts to form a broader political alliance ahead of the 2027 election.

Atiku and Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the PDP and Labour Party respectively, are now linked to the emerging opposition realignment around the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Wike said he understands that a Tinubu defeat could expose him to political reprisals but maintained that the possibility would not change his decision.

He has repeatedly stated that he has never hidden his support for Tinubu and intends to remain committed to the president’s re-election campaign.

Former US Soldier Bergdahl’s Conviction Restored by Appeals Court

A US federal appeals court has ruled that the dismissal of former US Army soldier Bowe Bergdahl’s court-martial conviction was invalid, effectively reinstating his military conviction.

A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that a federal district judge did not have the authority to overturn Bergdahl’s military conviction and sentence.

The appeals court said only a military appellate court has jurisdiction to directly overturn a court-martial judgment.

Bergdahl had challenged his conviction in civilian court, arguing that his constitutional right to due process had been violated. In 2023, US District Judge Reggie Walton overturned his conviction after finding that military judge Jeffrey Nance had failed to disclose his application for a position as an immigration judge, creating a potential conflict of interest.

However, the appeals panel ruled that the district court lacked jurisdiction to vacate the military judgment.

Bergdahl, who was 23 when he left his post in Afghanistan’s Paktika province in June 2009, was subsequently captured by the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network. He remained in captivity for nearly five years and later described being subjected to repeated torture.

He was released in 2014 as part of a prisoner exchange negotiated by the administration of then-President Barack Obama. The deal involved the release of five Taliban prisoners from Guantanamo Bay and sparked strong criticism from some US conservatives.

After returning to the United States, Bergdahl was charged with desertion and misbehaviour before the enemy. He pleaded guilty to both charges in 2017 and was dishonourably discharged from the Army.

Military prosecutors had sought a 14-year prison sentence, but Bergdahl was not sentenced to prison.

The latest appeals court ruling means his military conviction remains in effect, although further legal proceedings may still be possible.

Rescue Hopes Rise as 46 Workers Remain Trapped in Nepal Hydropower Plant

Kathmandu, September 2, 2026 — Hopes are growing that dozens of workers trapped for about a week inside an underground chamber at Nepal’s Rasuwagadhi hydropower project may still be alive, a Nepal Electricity Authority official has said.

Amshu Kiran Shahi, a board member of the Nepal Electricity Authority, told Reuters that around 46 workers were believed to be trapped inside a room-like structure within the tunnel.

“We are very confident that they must be alive after one week because they have food and water,” Shahi said.

The workers became trapped after devastating flash floods and mudslides swept through the Rasuwa district near Nepal’s border with China. The disaster sent huge amounts of ice, rocks, mud and debris into several hydropower facilities.

Nepali authorities have so far rescued 279 people, while at least 639 others remain missing. Some of those missing are believed to be trapped inside tunnels connected to hydropower projects.

Rescue teams are intensifying efforts at Rasuwagadhi, a 111-megawatt hydropower facility located in a mountainous valley about five kilometres from the Chinese border.

According to Shahi, Nepal’s army previously attempted to enter the tunnel but failed to locate the chamber where the workers are believed to be trapped. Rescue teams are now preparing to make another attempt.

At the Upper Trishuli 3A hydropower project, rescuers reportedly spent nearly six days locating tunnels buried beneath thick layers of mud. Officials believe survivors could still be inside because a dry area has reportedly been identified.

Nepal is using available rescue technology and receiving assistance from teams and experts from India, China, South Korea and Australia.

The scale of the disaster is enormous. A preliminary estimate by the United Nations Development Programme puts the amount of debris generated by the floods at around 2.2 million tonnes, including rocks, sediment and parts of destroyed buildings.

Despite the difficult rescue conditions, authorities continue to search the affected hydropower sites in the hope of finding more survivors.

Uber Announces Exit From Nigeria After 12 Years

Global ride-hailing company Uber has announced that it will cease operations in Nigeria effective Wednesday, September 2, 2026, ending its 12-year presence in the country.

The company, which launched its services in Lagos in 2014, announced the decision in a message sent to customers.

Uber said the move followed a thorough review of its business operations.

“We are writing to share some difficult news. After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026,” the company said.

The ride-hailing firm thanked Nigerians for using its platform over the years and apologised for any inconvenience caused by the decision.

“Since we first launched in Lagos in 2014, it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of your daily life, connecting you with independent transportation providers,” Uber said.

The company added that its help centre would remain available until September 23, 2026, to assist customers with final account-related enquiries.

Uber's departure comes as the company also announced significant organisational changes globally, including plans to reduce its workforce by about 10 per cent.

Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi said the restructuring was aimed at making the company “simpler and faster” while reducing delays caused by its large organisational structure.

Uber has approximately 34,000 employees and operates across more than 70 countries.

Founded in 2009, the company transformed the urban transportation industry by connecting passengers with drivers through its digital platform.

Its exit from Nigeria is expected to have a significant impact on the country's ride-hailing sector and could reshape competition among existing transportation platforms.

Saudi Arabia Says Iranian Attack on Tanker Killed Two Sailors in Strait of Hormuz

RIYADH, September 2, 2026 — Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of attacking an oil tanker owned by its national shipping company, Bahri, in the Strait of Hormuz, killing two Filipino sailors.

The tanker, Sidr, was one of two supertankers carrying Saudi crude that were reportedly struck late Monday while transiting the strategic waterway off the coast of Oman.

Bahri said the incident occurred at about 11:40 p.m. local time on Monday during what it described as a security incident involving the vessel.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry called for an end to the escalation and urged all parties to respect international maritime safety and protect the security of global energy supplies.

“Bahri remains in continuous contact with the vessel and is coordinating closely with the relevant authorities and maritime industry stakeholders,” the company said, adding that it was closely monitoring developments.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through it.

Iran has threatened vessels attempting to transit the waterway without its authorisation, raising concerns over the security of energy exports from Gulf oil-producing countries.

The latest incident follows previous attacks involving Bahri vessels. In July, the company’s Wedyan supertanker was hit while sailing through the strait near Oman.

Two other Bahri vessels, Masa and Amzan, were also attacked in the Red Sea in July and August after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia.

The incidents have heightened concerns over maritime security and the potential disruption of global energy supplies amid the escalating conflict involving Iran.

APC UK Inaugurates 2027 Campaign Council, Pledges Support for Tinubu’s Re-election

The United Kingdom chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC UK) has inaugurated its 2027 Campaign Council as part of efforts to mobilise Nigerians in the diaspora ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The campaign council was inaugurated in the UK over the weekend with the mandate to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and promote the electoral prospects of APC candidates across Nigeria.

The APC UK leadership said the chapter would work closely with the party’s leadership and the Presidential Campaign Council in Nigeria to communicate the party’s message to Nigerians and strengthen grassroots support.

Olumuyiwa Adesua was inaugurated as the Director-General of the APC UK 2027 Campaign Council, while Feyisayo Ajayi was appointed Secretary.

According to a statement signed by APC UK Publicity Secretary, Tunde Ajisola, other positions and responsibilities will be assigned at the council’s forthcoming meeting.

Ajisola described the inauguration as an important step in the chapter’s preparations for the 2027 elections. He said the council would focus on strategic mobilisation, diaspora engagement, campaign coordination and grassroots support.

The APC UK also congratulated members of the newly inaugurated council and expressed confidence that their efforts would contribute to the re-election of President Tinubu and the success of other APC candidates in 2027.

Speaking after his inauguration, Adesua reaffirmed his commitment to the party and pledged to work with APC leaders and stakeholders in Nigeria and across the diaspora.

He said his appointment was based on a commitment to serve the party, its members and Nigerians.

Adesua added that from the time of his appointment until the conclusion of the 2027 elections, the council would work diligently to secure victory for President Tinubu and other APC candidates across the country.

Iran’s Rial Falls to Record Low of 2.2 Million per Dollar

Iran’s rial has fallen to a new record low of around 2.2 million rials to the US dollar, according to currency-tracking websites.

The latest decline highlights the continued pressure on Iran’s currency amid growing economic difficulties and heightened tensions in the Middle East.

The rial has experienced a sharp loss in value, increasing concerns about inflation, the rising cost of imports and the impact on ordinary Iranians.

The development comes as Iran faces continued economic and geopolitical uncertainty, with international tensions adding further pressure to its already fragile economy.

Xi Jinping Urges Middle East to Reject External Interference, Strengthen Security

CAIRO, September 2, 2026 — Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on Middle Eastern countries to strengthen regional dialogue and consider reshaping the region’s security framework, while rejecting external interference in regional affairs.

Xi made the remarks during talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo on Wednesday, during his first visit to Egypt in a decade.

The meeting came amid the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran, which has increased security concerns across the Middle East and prompted several regional countries to reconsider their traditional defence partnerships.

“We must uphold the principle that the people of the Middle East are the masters of their own affairs, oppose external interference and support regional countries in strengthening dialogue on peace and security,” Xi said, according to China’s state news agency Xinhua.

Xi and el-Sisi also called for diplomatic efforts to achieve a comprehensive agreement to end the war.

During the visit, Egypt and China signed an agreement to launch the third phase of the Egyptian-Chinese industrial zone at the Suez Canal. The zone currently hosts about 200 companies, with investments estimated at around $4 billion.

Xi said China was prepared to cooperate with countries in the region to protect international shipping routes, promote economic development and address the conditions that contribute to conflict.

The Chinese president’s visit highlights Beijing’s growing interest in expanding its influence in the Middle East. Egypt is seen as an important partner because of its strategic position, including control of the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most important trade routes.

For Cairo, closer relations with Beijing form part of a broader strategy to diversify its international partnerships rather than depend on a single major power.

Xi’s visit also comes ahead of an expected meeting with US President Donald Trump later this month.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan recently signed a joint defence agreement, reflecting a wider regional effort to diversify security arrangements amid questions over the reliability of the traditional US security guarantee.

Xi was welcomed by el-Sisi at the Ittihadiya Presidential Palace, where he received a 21-gun salute. Streets across Cairo were decorated with Chinese and Egyptian flags and billboards featuring the two leaders.

Xi was also expected to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids later on Wednesday.

NABTEB Releases 2026 NBC/NTC Results, Records 81.24% Pass Rate

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has released the results of the 2026 June/July National Business Certificate (NBC) and National Technical Certificate (NTC) examinations, recording an 81.24 per cent pass rate.

NABTEB Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Mohammed, announced the results on Wednesday in Benin City, Edo State.

According to him, 79,503 candidates, representing 81.24 per cent of the 97,863 candidates graded, obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

The figure represents a significant improvement from the 68.18 per cent recorded in 2025, when 61,104 candidates achieved the same standard.

Mohammed said the improved performance reflected the combined efforts of candidates, teachers, schools, parents and the wider education system.

He added that 89,580 candidates, representing 91.53 per cent, obtained five credits and above, with or without English Language and Mathematics. This was also an improvement on the 83.28 per cent recorded in 2025.

The registrar further disclosed that 24,128 candidates, representing 24.65 per cent of those graded, were certified as craftsmen.

A total of 100,069 candidates registered for the 2026 examinations, while 97,867 candidates sat for the examinations, representing a 97.80 per cent attendance rate.

Mohammed said the results were released 52 days after the final examination, describing the timely release as part of NABTEB's commitment to efficient service delivery.

On examination malpractice, he disclosed that 847 candidates were involved in 1,554 reported incidents, representing 1.55 per cent of candidates who sat for the examinations.

He said the figure was lower than that recorded in 2025, adding that measures introduced by the board to combat examination malpractice were producing positive results.

NABTEB advised candidates to check their results only through its official result-checking platform and warned them against individuals claiming they could alter or upgrade examination results.

The board stressed that no individual has the authority to change a legitimately awarded result.