Made in Africa Cars demand grows as middle class expands on continent

Africa is projected to remain one of the fastest growing regions in the world – with an annual growth of about 5 percent due mainly to increased agriculture production, infrastructure investment as well as buoyant services led by tourism, telecommunications and financial services.

The results of this growth are translated to the regions rapidly expanding middle class – expected to swell to approximately 300 million people.

In 2014, Africa was projected to see sales of new 2 million vehicles with major auto players such as Toyota, Tata Motors and General Motors.

African entrepreneurs are now entering the automobile industry; designing and developing vehicles specifically geared for the local market and local consumers but with global aspirations.

Below are three African automobile manufacturing companies that are developing “made in Africa” vehicles that look the most promising for the African consumer market:

Kiira Motors Corporation, Uganda

Originally developed by students from Uganda’s Makerere University, the sedan hybrid electric vehicle called the Kiira EV SMACK was designed for the region, local terrain and consumers’ ability to afford the car. The five-seater sedan is powered by a rechargeable battery and also has an internal combustion engine-based generator which charges the battery.

Read more: Forbes