The rising demand for fuel efficiency and reduced emissions is a critical need for sustainable transportation solutions in Africa. Transitioning to cleaner African roads requires more adoption of automotive additives. The recently concluded Auto Expo Africa 2025 held at the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC), Nairobi Kenya on 28-30 May 2025 continually marked a significant milestone for the automotive industry on the African continent. The expo provided a diverse platform to showcase a range of vehicles parts, technologies and innovations, highlighting the burgeoning automotive sector and its potential for growth and transformation across Africa.
Given the focus on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to cleaner African roads.
Africa Automotive Magazine (AA) had a conversation with Alberto Rischio (AR)– Export Manager at SACIR EST Srl a leading auto additives manufacturer and one of the Auto Expo Africa 2025 exhibitor. Here is what he cited about the exhibition and specifically the auto additives market.
Also Read: Boost Diesel Car Performance with Effective Diesel Additives
AA: What was your overall impression of the recently concluded Auto Expo Africa 2025 in Nairobi?
AR: This edition saw a 50% increase in exhibitors from 2023 and also in visitors. We were satisfied. In addition, we recommend that Organizers aim to hold seminars for customers at the fair about import procedure, customs and others. We realized that some potential customers were not able to understand the import management.
AA: What were your key observations regarding the African automotive and additives market during the event?
AR: The African automotive market is aware of the importance of the benefits of fuel additives for cars, trucks and agricultural vehicles. Fuel service areas, dedicated chain stores and garages have been selling them for years and they are part of the turnover of the commercial activity.
AA: What are SACIR EST future plans for expansion in the African market following the expo?
AR: Help any contacts who came to our stand and try to create a 360-degree dialogue with customers who believe in our EST brand for Kenya and Eastern Africa countries.
AA: Did you identify any specific diesel additive trends or unique needs to the East African market while in Nairobi?
AR: Yes, we could see that customers are oriented towards products for cleaning the FAP or products for radiator care.
AA: What sets SACIR EST diesel additives competitive for the African market?
AR: The quality of being producers.
AA: Do you plan to return to Auto Expo Africa or similar events in the region in the future?
AR: Sure, in 2027, because next year we will participate at Automechanika German Fair in Frankfurt. For your information before Nairobi we attended the West Africa Fair in Accra, Ghana.
AA: How important is the African market, and specifically East Africa, in SACIR EST’s Africa expansion?
AR: It can be very important for us if in the near future many import taxes can be removed by African governments, because they are only an obstacle to the growth of individual African countries. We also support the idea of more agreements with the EU.
AA: With the growing interest and investment in sustainable transportation solutions across Africa, how is EST’s additives contributing to this initiative, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to cleaner Africans roads?
AR: I was surprised that African traders did not ask for additives for AdBlue. In Europe cars, work vans use AdBlue to reduce PM10 (Particulate matter) emissions in the air.
AA: As a manufacturer, which of the EST additives are most suitable for the African conditions?
AR: All our range of additives are important for the African market. Like cleaning of diesel, petrol, DPF, LPG and engine systems.
Green Transport Solutions
Auto additives cut toxins and prolong your rides. As various countries on the continent seek to meet their climate goals and enhance air quality, the incorporation of additives in fuels and lubricants is emerging as a vital strategy.
Additives has an important role in improving engine efficiency, reducing harmful emissions and prolonging vehicle lifespan, thereby contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation ecosystem.
Furthermore, a growing interest from both local and international investors in innovative technologies and practices is enhancing the development and accessibility of such additives, which are critical for stakeholders aiming to drive sustainable change within Africa’s transportation landscape.
