Chinese electric car makers shift to Africa as Western markets closeCEFR B1
22 Oct 2025
Adapted from Jean Sovon, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Michael Myers, Unsplash
After oversaturation and a price war at home, several Chinese automakers expanded overseas. Beijing pushed companies to compete abroad with innovation and low prices, and to sell green products like electric vehicles.
Trade barriers have changed access to Western markets. The United States imposed large tariffs — 100 percent under President Biden in September 2024 and 154 percent under President Trump in June 2025 — and the European Union opened subsidy investigations in October 2024. These measures have reduced opportunities in the US and Europe.
As a result, many firms are turning to the Global South and to Africa as both a consumer market and a place for production and assembly. Examples include BYD’s plan to almost triple dealerships in South Africa by 2026, Chery’s expansion in South Africa and Kenya, and Gotion High Tech’s gigafactory in Kenitra, Morocco, due in June 2026.
African governments also act. Kenya and Uganda have policies and incentives, and Morocco already exports most cars to Europe and aims to make many exports electric by 2030. Analysts warn of risks such as low-value assembly, uneven benefits, and environmental and sovereignty concerns.
Difficult words
- market — A place where products are bought and sold.
- automaker — A company that makes cars.automakers
- infrastructure — The basic systems needed for a country.
- production — The process of making goods.
- investment — Money put into something to earn profit.investments
- governance — The way a country is managed.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can African nations strengthen their EV sectors?
- What role should governments play in this transition?
- What are the risks of high foreign investment in Africa?
- How can local voices be better included in decision-making?
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