The One Africa Business Summit by IAMaga, held at the Emara Hotel – Ole Sereni in Nairobi on September 15–16, 2025, brought together automotive industry’s leading manufacturers, innovators, suppliers and decision-makers. Over the two transformative days, the Summit served as a transformative platform for dialogue, partnership and strategic action. Consequently, aimed at unlocking Africa’s vast potential in the mobility and aftermarket sector.
Reflecting on the summit’s significance, IAMaga CEO Martin Hendriksen described it as a pivotal milestone for the continent’s automotive future. He stated, “Hosting The One Africa Business Summit in Nairobi represents a major milestone for the African automotive sector, bringing together over 100 delegates and establishing a strong foundation for deeper collaboration and unified growth across the continent’s automotive aftermarket.”
Echoing this sentiment, Michael Steck, Regional Sales Director Middle East and Africa at bilstein group, praised the summit’s far-reaching impact. “The One Africa Business Summit by IAMaga in Nairobi has overachieved our own expectations,” he shared. “The common view on the different requirements of the African regions and the interaction with the African IAMaga members will be definitively accelerating the bilstein group business.”
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Adapting to Africa’s Unique Conditions
Sharing his perspective at the Summit, Farid Sihocine, Sales & Marketing Director for KYB Middle East & Africa, acknowledged Africa’s diverse mobility landscape with a deep understanding of its challenges and potential. “Customer’s needs are as varied as its terrain,” he noted. “That’s why KYB blends global innovation with local insight. Products like Excel-G HD and SK4 deliver safer, smoother, and more reliable rides across the continent.”
Adding to the conversation, Samir El Bazi, Regional Sales Manager for Nissens Middle East & Africa, underscored the continent’s untapped potential. “For Nissens, Africa remains a new but promising market,” he said. “With growing vehicle parcs and unmet demand for quality parts, Nissens is investing strategically to strengthen its footprint and distribution network across the region.”
Greener Mobility and Energy-Efficient Solutions
As Africa accelerates toward a more sustainable mobility future, the conversation around green technologies and energy-efficient solutions are gaining new momentum. Nissens’ El Bazi emphasized that the road to sustainability begins with action, in both innovation and efficiency. He shared that Nissens is expanding its EV range, originally built for European models and now extending to Chinese vehicles, even as Africa’s shift to greener mobility unfolds gradually. The key question, he noted, is when the transition will begin and which vehicles will lead it. He further cited Nissens’ efforts to cut its carbon footprint through optimized logistics, improved packaging and reduced waste, while delivering parts with measurable emission reductions.
Preparing for Electrification
Similarly, Steck highlighted the bilstein group’s readiness for Africa’s mobility shift. “We’ve developed over 9,300 spare parts for 700+ electric and hybrid models, driven by Europe’s electrification,” he noted. A forward-thinking move that positions the group and IAMaga’s network, to meet Africa’s emerging demands with a future-ready portfolio.
Aligning with this perspective, Sihocine affirmed KYB’s global expertise is already shaping Africa’s journey. “We supply suspension systems to leading EV and hybrid makers worldwide, and we’re bringing that experience here,” he noted. “Our goal is simple: to ensure every vehicle, from ICE to EV, meets Africa’s road realities.”
Designing for a Cleaner Future
In addition, as Africa steadily moves toward cleaner mobility, Astemo Aftermarket Germany GmbH, continues to align its technology with the continent’s evolving needs and long-term sustainability goals. Highlighting the company’s forward-looking mission, Patrick Freier, Sales Director at Astemo, emphasized that innovation and environmental stewardship remain at the heart of Astemo’s vision.
“With the shift toward EVs, our Tokico shock absorbers will play an even greater role,” Freier noted. “We’re not just advancing technology, we’re creating solutions that cut CO₂, save resources, and keep people moving efficiently and sustainably.”
A Future in Transition
In addition, Hendriksen reaffirmed that Africa’s shift toward electrification and digitalization is steadily gaining momentum. “As global mobility embraces smart and electric technologies, Africa’s transition is steadily taking shape,” he said. However, “with Chinese innovation and East Africa’s clean energy push paving the way, 2WD vehicles are expected to lead the charge. To stay ahead, IAMaga is strengthening its supplier base for Chinese vehicle parts, from ICE, hybrid to fully electric models,” he adds.
Balancing Progress with Practicality
While IAMaga remains deeply committed to driving innovation and sustainability, Hendriksen acknowledged that green manufacturing is not yet Africa’s top priority. “Many of our suppliers are already making real progress, and we’re proud to support that journey,” he said. However, he was clear about the pace of change, emphasizing that progress must align with economic realities. “Innovation must make commercial sense. True sustainability is achieved only when it’s both practical and affordable.”
Unlocking the Drivers of Growth
According to IAMaga, the rising vehicle ownership, rapid infrastructure development, digital mobility services, and youth-led entrepreneurship are driving Africa’s aftermarket growth. Together creating a fertile ground for innovation, investment and long-term transformation.
Sharing a global outlook, Freier highlighted Astemo’s strategic focus on Southern and Eastern Africa. “We see strong growth in passenger cars, LCVs, and pick-ups,” he noted. “With our leading share in ICE components like ignition coils and airflow sensors, the region offers immense potential for aftermarket expansion.”
Africa’s Greatest Asset: Its People
According to Freier, Africa’s youth stand as the continent’s greatest asset. The driving force behind a self-sustaining automotive future. He explained, “Africa’s young population is both a vibrant market and a skilled workforce in the making. With the right investment in training and education, this generation can reshape the continent’s automotive landscape. At Astemo, we’re committed to empowering them through knowledge sharing and capacity building.”
Reinforcing this perspective, Heinrich Stoltz, Vehicle Aftermarket Sales Manager, Middle East and Africa at SKF South Africa (Pty) Limited, underscored the human element as the true cornerstone of Africa’s success. “Africa’s greatest resource isn’t in its minerals, but its people. In the independent aftermarket, every success story is powered by salespeople, technicians and consumers who form a chain of trust. With 60% of the African population under 25, the global automotive industry must adapt to meet the expectations of this new generation, because they are not just the future; they are the force driving Africa forward.”
Shaping the Next Generation of Automotive Leaders
According to Stoltz, unlocking Africa’s full potential depends on two key drivers; investing in youth and strengthening local manufacturing. He emphasized the need to position the automotive sector as an exciting career path, creating visible opportunities for young people to grow into future industry leaders. Equally, he noted that, “Africa’s wealth of raw materials and strategic location along major trade routes make it well suited for localized production. Enabling the continent to manufacture competitive aftermarket components that serve both local and export markets.”
Why Africa Stands Apart
When reflecting on what makes Africa’s automotive aftermarket uniquely attractive, Stoltz pointed to the continent’s essential role in mobility and commerce. “More than 80% of all freight in Africa is moved by road, with a 4.5% annual growth rate. This makes vehicles indispensable to the continent’s economic development. But beyond logistics, with a blend of vehicle brands and models from across the globe. This diversity demands adaptable solutions that meet local needs and ensures continuous innovation to keep fleets reliable, efficient and on the move.”
Strengthening Connections with African End-Users
On the other hand, KYB is focused on building deeper connections with African customers, from fleet operators to independent workshops. “Strengthening ties with African end-users is our top priority,” said Sihocine. “Through hands-on training, digital tools, and ongoing support, we’re not just supplying parts, we’re building trust, skills and long-term value.”
Seizing Emerging Opportunities in Africa’s Aftermarket
Africa’s mobility story is shifting gears, and companies like KYB are steering into the future with purpose. According to Sihocine, KYB is uncovering new pathways to support the continent’s evolving aftermarket. With a clear focus on technology transfer, local adaptation and long-term value creation, the brand is positioning itself as a trusted ally in Africa’s next growth chapter.
“Africa’s aftermarket is full of opportunity,” says Sihocine. “As vehicle numbers surge, so does demand for suspension systems suited for both ICE and EV/Hybrid models. By blending global EV expertise with durability tailored to local roads, we’re helping Africa prepare for tomorrow’s mobility.”
The Cornerstones of Progress
From another vantage point in the value chain, Steck emphasized the essentials of progress: availability and efficiency. “In Africa, availability isn’t optional. It’s everything,” Steck noted. “Our partners need quality parts that are both lean and affordable. By streamlining operations, we’ve reduced costs and lead times, without ever compromising on German engineering standards.”
Looking ahead, Steck sees Africa not as a distant frontier, but as a fast-rising pillar of global strategy.
“Africa is one of our most exciting markets,” he said. “With rapid population growth, motorization, and a diverse vehicle mix, the potential here is unmatched, and we’re fully committed to unlocking it.”
This shared optimism mirrors IAMaga’s wider mission: to strengthen Africa’s market in the global aftermarket through localized solutions, unified networks and partnerships built on trust and long-term growth. Together, these efforts are setting the pace for a new era. One where Africa doesn’t just participate in the global mobility story, but leads its most dynamic chapter.
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Empowering Skills and Knowledge Transfer
Africa’s automotive aftermarket growth relies not just on products, but on equipping local professionals with the right skills. Supporting this view, Astemo focuses on education, accessibility and knowledge sharing.
As Freier explains, “Astemo already runs a popular multilingual YouTube channel offering mechanics practical tips. We’ll expand it with more languages and product categories, alongside online and on-site training to provide hands-on technical insights.”
Through these blended learning approaches, Astemo strengthens local expertise, improves product understanding and builds lasting trust, aligning closely with IAMaga’s mission to foster collaboration, knowledge transfer and workforce readiness across Africa.
Keys to Success for International Automotive Suppliers
The path to success for international suppliers is becoming more clear. It lies in understanding and adapting to Africa’s distinct markets rather than replicating global playbooks. Industry leaders during the Summit agreed that localization, collaboration and customer insight is the critical differentiator moving forward.
“We believe suppliers must offer solutions tailored to Africa, not copies from other markets,” said Stoltz. “Africa is diverse, so we work closely with regional partners to deliver solutions that truly fit local needs.”
Vision of Success in Africa
As the curtains closed on The One Africa Business Summit, the conversations that echoed through the halls of the Emara Hotel carried a single, resonant theme; Africa’s automotive future will be built together. In addition, El Bazi shared details on Nissens’ growth vision across the continent: “Success for us means strong presence in every country, reliable distribution, and close cooperation with top distributors. This is where we count on IAMaga.”
His words reflects a broader industry consensus emerging from the Summit, that Africa’s sustainable mobility future will not be defined by competition alone, but by collaboration, shared innovation and a unified commitment to quality and long-term market development.
Sihocine reinforced this collaborative spirit, reminding participants that partnership forms the cornerstone of progress: “Africa’s automotive future will be built together. Let’s keep raising standards in quality and service.”
Significantly, these sentiments captured the Summit’s heart, recognizing that Africa’s mobility transformation thrives on shared expertise, strong leadership, and trust-driven partnerships.
Resonating this collaborative ethos, Hendriksen added that success in Africa demands not just vision, but action grounded in data, adaptability and mutual growth. “Collaboration drives success, guided by data. Africa offers long-term growth for those who understand local markets. IAMaga supports tailored solutions to meet the continent’s unique challenges, from price pressures and counterfeit parts, to rising Chinese vehicle demand.”
IAMaga’s Vision for a Connected Automotive Industry
On IAMaga’s vision, he added: “Flexibility is our anchor. We’re building a future with tailor-made solutions, regional partnerships, and services designed to inspire and accelerate our member’s growth across Africa.”
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A Collective Call to Action
Looking ahead, with the horizon in sight, one truth stands firm: the future of Africa’s mobility industry will be built not in isolation, but in collaboration, by those bold enough to invest, adapt and believe in Africa’s journey toward a sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive automotive future. Join IAMaga. Build the future. Drive Africa forward!
