Chinese vehicle manufacturer Chery has signed a significant partnership with Kenyan firm Afrigreen Automobile to establish an electric vehicle (EV) assembly plant in Kenya. The agreement was formalized in a ceremony attended by a high-level delegation from Anhui Province, China, and senior Kenyan government officials.
Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, emphasized the impact of the new plant on Kenya’s transportation sector. He noted that the initiative is expected to make EVs more affordable and accessible, thereby supporting a greener transport sector. Currently, Kenya has approximately 4,000 electric vehicles among a total of 1.7 million cars on the road.
The $20 million investment in the assembly plant is projected to create around 3,000 direct and indirect jobs in Kenya. Hai Wei, Director of Chery International Central Africa Region, highlighted Kenya’s skilled workforce and its status as an economic hub as key reasons for selecting the country for the plant’s location. Chery’s extensive 26-year history of innovation will contribute to producing vehicles tailored to the local market.
Shan Xiangqian, Vice-Governor of Anhui Province, remarked that this collaboration will enhance Kenya’s reputation as a center for e-mobility, underscoring the strong and cordial relations between China and Kenya. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable transportation in the region.
Nishant Mishra, Global Head of Future Mobility at Afrigreen Automobile, announced that the assembly plant is expected to be operational within the next month. The plant will have the capacity to produce between 5,000 and 6,000 EVs annually. Initial production will focus on the Omoda sport utility model, with plans to expand to pickups in the following year.
This development represents a significant step towards advancing Kenya’s EV infrastructure and highlights the growing collaboration between international and local firms in fostering sustainable transportation solutions.
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