The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) has expanded its leadership team with the strategic hiring of a dedicated Project Manager to advance component manufacturing initiatives across the continent.
Edoardo Cabral Ngubane joined the organization on July 1, 2025, taking up residence at AAAM's Johannesburg headquarters. His mandate centers on bolstering the production of automotive parts for both original equipment manufacturer (OEM) operations and aftermarket distribution throughout Africa.
Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, AAAM's Chief Executive, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, noting that Ngubane's position represents a crucial step toward unlocking continental growth in component manufacturing and trade. The role directly supports AAAM's broader mission to build robust automotive value chains that serve assembly operations and replacement parts markets alike.
The timing of this expansion aligns with AAAM's strategic objectives under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. Backhaus-Jerling highlighted component manufacturing as a foundational element of automotive value chain development, emphasizing the organization's commitment to bridging established OEM suppliers with emerging players across the AfCFTA region.
"Our goal is to create stronger connections between current suppliers and new market entrants who are seeking pathways into both OEM and aftermarket supply networks," Backhaus-Jerling explained. She stressed that achieving these objectives will require extensive collaboration with industry associations, business chambers, government entities, regulatory bodies, and AAAM's network of members and donors.
Ngubane brings substantial industry experience to his new role, having previously led operations as Director and Engineer at AziB Manufacturing Technologies. His career includes significant positions such as Production Manager at L&J Tools and Engineering Works and Quality and Productivity Manager at Toyota South Africa Motors. His educational background combines technical expertise with businessacumen, holding a BSc in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Reflecting on his appointment, Ngubane described joining AAAM as an honor, particularly given the current momentum in Africa's automotive sector. He expressed commitment to supporting the industry's development and ensuring its sustainable growth trajectory.
AAAM maintains a continental presence through strategically located offices: Ghana serves as the hub for West African operations, Tunisia focuses on North African market development, and South Africa coordinates activities across East and Southern African regions.
