Chinese automaker Chery has acquired Nissan’s former Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, South Africa, marking a broader shift by Chinese manufacturers from exporting vehicles to Africa to building them locally across the continent. The move reflects efforts to offset slowing demand in China and rising trade barriers in Europe and North America, while tapping into Africa’s growing middle class. Analysts say South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ghana are best positioned to benefit from this shift due to their industrial capacity, improving energy infrastructure, and supportive policies. Experts say local manufacturing could lower vehicle prices, create jobs, and accelerate EV adoption, though weak electricity infrastructure remains a major obstacle.