By Huang Peizhao, People’s Daily
In recent years, Chinese automobiles have become deeply embedded in Africa’s development through localized manufacturing, market-specific adaptation and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Their business model has evolved exporting fully built vehicles to local assembly, and from one-off sales to comprehensive, full-value-chain services. From Cairo, capital of Egypt, to Luanda, capital of Angola, cost-effective and reliable Chinese-brand vehicles are gaining popularity among African households.
Meanwhile, Chinese enterprises are partnering with local stakeholders to establish a complete industrial ecosystem that encompasses production, sales, maintenance, and after-sales support. This injects impetus into the growth of Africa’s automotive and manufacturing sectors and stands as a vivid example of China-Africa cooperation in the new era.
At Tahrir Square in central Cairo, traffic flows steadily. Wael, a taxi driver, pulled his new Emgrand — manufactured by Chinese automotive giant Geely — to the side of the road. The vehicle, locally assembled at the BAMC plant in Egypt, has become a popular choice among taxi drivers and ride-hailing services in Cairo.
“The car is durable, fuel-efficient, and rarely breaks down — ideal for my driving needs,” Wael said. The vehicle performs reliable even in Cairo’s summer heat, which can reach 40 degrees Celsius, and handles Cairo’s frequent stop-and-go traffic with ease.
Another factor that has convinced Wael to choose a Chinese brand is the comprehensive localized support, including flexible purchasing options and a seven-year warranty. The chassis has been specially optimized for Cairo’s aging and potholed roads. Its smooth ride and comfortable interior have earned praise from many passengers.
“Many of my fellow drivers have switched to Chinese cars. They are hassle-free, affordable and reliable,” Wael told People’s Daily.
Sophia, a primary school teacher living in Kilamba New City near Luanda, Angola, recently purchased a vehicle made by Jetour, a marque of Chinese vehicle manufacturer Chery.
“The cabin offers ample space, suiting both my daily commute and family trips. The monthly installment is even less than what I used to pay for taxi rides every month,” Sophia said.
At a major automobile market in Luanda, Chinese brands such as Jetour, Changan and Geely account for about half of the vehicles on display. Fernando, head of the Angolan association of motor vehicle dealers, said that five years ago, the local market was dominated by European, American and Japanese brands, and even entry-level SUVs were prohibitively expensive for ordinary families.
The entry of Chinese-branded cars in the Angolan market has made vehicles more affordable. Chinese brands now account for more than 60 percent of the market, reshaping the local automotive landscape,” he said.
Chinese vehicles accounted for 39 percent of automobile sales in Egypt in 2025. In Angola, Chinese auto brands serve diverse use cases ranging from daily commutes and family trips to commercial operations.
Egypt’s Al-Ahram newspaper noted that Chinese-branded vehicles, with their strong value for money and adaptability to local road conditions, have helped fulfill the “automobile dreams” of many Africans, turning cars from luxury goods into everyday means of transportation.
Inside Jetour’s vehicle assembly plant in Helwan, Egypt, automated equipment operates at high efficiency as new models roll off the production line.
“Our Chinese partner has brought advanced automotive manufacturing technologies and proven management expertise, helping us make a major leap forward in our vehicle assembly capabilities,” said Ahmed, the plant manager.
The Jetour plant provides 1,500 local jobs and has trained nearly 200 skilled technical workers through systematic training programs. Its products now serve not only the Egyptian market but are also exported to countries including Sudan and Libya, making the plant an important automotive manufacturing base serving North Africa.
Changan’s vehicle assembly plant in Cairo has likewise established a strong local presence. Locally assembled models have consistently ranked among Egypt’s best-selling compact SUVs thanks to their competitive prices and performance.
“We are actively promoting the localization of our workforce. Many Egyptian workers have advanced from ordinary production-line positions to key roles as team leaders, with substantial increases in their incomes,” said Xiao Feng, general manager of Changan’s Middle East and Africa operations.
Angolan daily newspaper Jornal de Angola commented that the localization strategies of Chinese automakers go far beyond exporting products. They are also bringing technology, production capacity, and management expertise to African countries, helping transform the continent’s automotive industry toward smart manufacturing and making this a vivid example of mutually beneficial Africa-China cooperation.
Comprehensive after-sales services have become a key competitive advantage for Chinese automakers. Chinese-brand dealerships are now widely distributed across cities such as Cairo and Luanda, with well-equipped service centers and ample supplies of spare parts. Local technicians can quickly diagnose and repair vehicle problems.
Geely’s outlets in Angola offer around-the-clock roadside assistance with a two-hour rapid-response service, while Chery has established a global warranty system and relies on a large spare-parts warehouse in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, to ensure supplies across Africa.
As they deepen their presence in the African market, Chinese automakers are also actively fulfilling their social responsibilities. Jetour has participated in public welfare projects for ecological conservation in Africa; Changan has established automotive cultural experience centers; and Geely has launched programs to support education. By integrating into local communities, these efforts are helping lay a stronger foundation for China-Africa friendship.
Ahmed Samir, former Minister of Industry and Trade of Egypt, stated: “Chinese automotive brands have injected fresh momentum into the development of Africa’s auto industry. Africa-China cooperation in the automotive sector delivers economic gains for all and builds a bridge of friendship.”
Chinese auto brands drive deeper China-Africa cooperation
