Africa’s Indigenous Automotive and Economic Resilience: Exploring the Nexus and Shifting Gears Inward for Building a Sustainable Continental Economy

Africa's indigenous automotive industry has long been recognized as a vital sector for promoting economic resilience and sustainable development. However, the industry's potential remains largely untapped due to various challenges, including limited infrastructure, inadequate skills, and dependence on foreign imports. This study explores the nexus between Africa's indigenous automotive industry and economic resilience, with a focus on shifting gears towards a sustainable economy. Using a literature review method, the study identified that Africa's indigenous automotive industry is underdeveloped, with limited production capacity and a lack of competitiveness. It also revealed that Africa relies heavily on foreign imports to meet its vehicle demands, resulting in significant foreign exchange outflows and limited economic benefits for the continent. The study equally identified the need for deliberate policy support to promote the development of Africa's indigenous automotive industry. The study concludes that a robust indigenous automotive industry can bring about sustainable development in Africa and recommends that African governments should priorities the automotive industry by make providing funding support, training, research and making deliberate policies and actions to revitalize it, encourage states and citizens’ patronage.