Africa urged to learn from China's automotive transformation for industrial growth
via NewsDay Zimbabwe10 min read
Saxon Zvina, principal consultant at Skyworld Consultancy Services, highlights China's 20-year journey in the automotive industry as a critical roadmap for African nations, particularly Zimbabwe. China's initial foray into the European market in 2005 was met with failure, exemplified by the poor crash test performance of the Jiangling Landwind. However, this setback prompted a strategic overhaul, leading to significant investments in R&D, domestic competition, and technological self-reliance. By 2025, Chinese automakers dominated the Munich Motor Show, showcasing advanced technologies like electric vehicles, automotive AI, and flying cars, compelling European manufacturers to seek partnerships. Zvina contrasts this with the protectionist approach of the United States, which he argues will hinder innovation. For Africa, Zvina proposes four pillars for industrial takeoff: accepting failure as a learning opportunity, building core competence through genuine technology transfer beyond simple assembly, using localization to counter external tariffs, and leapfrogging into the electric vehicle revolution by focusing on mass mobility solutions like electric two-wheelers and light commercial vehicles. He emphasizes that local assembly in Zimbabwe can address vehicle affordability, reduce foreign currency drain, and create jobs, positioning the country as a regional EV hub. Zvina concludes that African leaders must act decisively now to capitalize on the favorable terms for technology
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
Must ReadZimbabwe has only realized 3% of committed investments over a four-year period, with investors withholding billions after signing up, according to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency Zida. This low realization rate indicates a significant gap between investment pledges and actual implementation within the country's economy.
Zimbabwe has only realized 3% of the billions of dollars pledged by investors over the past four years, according to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency Zida. This low realization rate indicates that investors are withholding significant funds despite initial commitments. The country is also grappling with policy inconsistency and high input costs, which are weighing heavily on its industry. Industry and Commerce permanent secretary Tadeous Chifamba noted that authorities are working to strengthen the enforcement of local content policies. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is initiating efforts to secure a US$25 million climate recovery boost. Other challenges include low prices for tobacco farmers, political tensions leading to violence and evictions in some areas, and a report indicating that only four African economies are structured for sustained industrial growth. The VFEX shows stability, but this masks underlying value issues. The country also faces a significant road safety crisis, with 17 dead and 33 injured in a recent coach crash on the Harare–Nyamapanda Highway, leading to a declared state of disaster.
Must ReadDespite being declared Zimbabwe's official gold-backed legal tender by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and the government, the ZiG currency encounters significant challenges in online transactions. While the state has implemented policies to promote its use, such as increasing transaction limits and mandating acceptance by government suppliers, the digital economy often treats ZiG cards as less functional than USD Visa and Mastercards. Online payment gateways, which are crucial for e-commerce, primarily optimize for USD transactions due to perceived revenue certainty and faster settlement times for merchants. Many local e-commerce operators do not configure ZiG card acceptance as a default, and merchants face opacity regarding ZiG settlement timelines, leading them to favor USD. Consumers also experience difficulties, as many ZiG-denominated cards require separate online activation, and some transactions are routed through unreliable USSD prompts. Furthermore, inconsistencies in enforcing the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe's 1.5% cap on POS charges and potential incorrect application of the 15% digital services withholding tax to local ZiG transactions add to the problem. This digital disparity is rooted in a trust deficit, as the ZiG currency experienced significant devaluation shortly after its launch, reinforcing a preference for stable foreign currencies and cash-based transactions among Zimbabweans. To address these issues, there is a call for greater transparency from the Reserv
Must ReadInvestors have withheld billions of dollars despite signing agreements in Zimbabwe, with the country achieving only a 3% realization rate over a four-year period, according to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency ZIDA. This low realization rate highlights a significant gap between investment commitments and actual capital inflow into the Zimbabwean economy. The article also touches on various other economic and social issues in Zimbabwe, including the challenges faced by 'golden leaf' farmers due to low prices and high input costs, the impact of policy inconsistency and high costs on Zimbabwean industry, and the difficulties in selling the new ZiG currency. Other topics include political tensions leading to violence and evictions, the menace of 'makorokoza' artisanal miners affecting young girls, and the country's efforts to secure a US$25 million climate recovery boost. The report also notes that only four African economies are built for sustained industrial growth, and discusses how AI is revolutionizing pilot decision-making.