What did Professor Hinson recommend for Ghana's automobile industry?

He recommended shifting from vehicle imports to local assembly and manufacturing to boost the economy and create jobs.

Which Chinese vehicle brands are prominent in South Africa?

Omoda, Chery, Haval, and Jetour are among the Chinese brands that constitute 50 to 70 percent of vehicles on South African roads.

Ghana Urged to Shift from Vehicle Imports to Local Assembly

Professor calls for Ghana to boost economy and jobs through local car manufacturing, citing Chinese brands' success in Africa.

Flat illustration of Accra with Zonda Tech Auto Show, local assembly plants, manufacturing facilities, symbolizing economic growth and job creation.

2026-08-14 · Updated 2026-08-14

Professor Robert Ebo Hinson has stated that Ghana must transition from vehicle importation to full-scale local assembly and manufacturing to enhance economic growth and job creation. He made these remarks during the opening of the Zonda Tech Auto Show and Exhibition in Accra, which promotes local assembly, innovation, and employment.

Professor Hinson highlighted the rapid expansion of Chinese vehicle brands in African markets, particularly South Africa, where 50 to 70 percent of vehicles are now Chinese brands like Omoda, Chery, Haval, and Jetour. He cited data showing financed purchases of Chinese vehicles grew by 423 percent between 2021 and 2025, with 68 percent of buyers under age 35 opting for new Chinese vehicles over used cars.

He emphasized that Ghana should aim to assemble more vehicles locally by 2030 to 2040, noting the global automobile industry is valued at about $3 trillion annually and projected to reach 100 million units by 2030. Electric vehicles are expected to play a major role, with global EV sales surpassing 40 million units in 2023.

Professor Hinson called on banks and financial institutions to support the sector through affordable financing and long-term investment. Madam Zang Zang, Managing Director of ZondaTech Ghana, shared the company's experience in building consumer confidence through initiatives like nationwide road tours and local assembly of models such as the GWM Power Pickup and Haval Jolion.

FAQ

What did Professor Hinson recommend for Ghana's automobile industry?: He recommended shifting from vehicle imports to local assembly and manufacturing to boost the economy and create jobs.
Which Chinese vehicle brands are prominent in South Africa?: Omoda, Chery, Haval, and Jetour are among the Chinese brands that constitute 50 to 70 percent of vehicles on South African roads.