AAAM Appoints Project Manager to Advance Component Manufacturing for OEM and Aftermarket Growth

By Steve UMIDHA

The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) is accelerating its efforts to strengthen industrialisation and grow Africa’s automotive value chain with the appointment of a new Project Manager.

Based at the AAAM Johannesburg office, the role will focus on expanding manufacturing of components for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) assembly and the aftermarket on the continent.
Cabral Ngubane assumed the position on 1 July 2025.

“We are delighted to welcome Cabral to the AAAM team and congratulate him on his
appointment. His role will be instrumental in unlocking growth opportunities for component
manufacturing and trade both regionally and across the African continent,” said Victoria
Backhaus-Jerling, CEO of AAAM.

“This will support the development of competitive
automotive value chains, serving both OEM assembly and the replacement parts sector.”

Backhaus-Jerling added that the expansion of the AAAM team reflects its commitment to
facilitating complementary vehicle and component manufacturing across Africa, in alignment
with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “Component
manufacturing is a critical pillar of the auto value chain.

We aim to foster stronger partnerships between existing OEM suppliers and new entrants from across the AfCFTA region seeking access to both OEM and aftermarket supply chains.”

She further highlighted that close collaboration with industry associations, business
chambers, government bodies, regulatory authorities, and AAAM members and donors will
be central to the success of this role.

Commenting on his appointment, Ngubane said: “I’m honoured to join AAAM at such a
pivotal time. I look forward to contributing to the development and sustainable growth of
Africa’s automotive industry.”

Ngubane previously served as Director and Engineer at AziB Manufacturing Technologies.
He has also held senior roles including Production Manager at L&J Tools and Engineering
Works, and Quality and Productivity Manager at Toyota South Africa Motors. He holds a BSc
in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

AAAM has a presence across the continent, with offices in Ghana supporting West Africa,
Tunisia focusing on growth in North Africa, and South Africa overseeing initiatives in East
and Southern Africa.