South Africa is proposing new rules and incentives to attract electric-vehicle battery manufacturers, as the country positions itself to become a regional hub in the global clean-energy supply chain. The measures would expand support under the Automotive Production Development Programme and channel greater incentives toward battery production and critical minerals processing. Policymakers hope the strategy will leverage South Africa’s vast reserves of manganese, platinum, and other minerals essential to EV technologies. The push comes as global automakers accelerate electrification and African governments seek greater participation in high-value manufacturing rather than relying solely on raw mineral exports. Industry analysts say stronger policy certainty, tax incentives, and export market access could help South Africa compete for investment from Chinese and European automakers, while also supporting broader industrialization and job creation ambitions across the continent.
Bloomberg
