The Government of Ghana is intensifying efforts to position the country as a leading automotive hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by urging vehicle assemblers to prioritize local sourcing of components.
Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare made the call during a visit to Zonda Tec Ghana Limited, a prominent assembler of heavy-duty and light vehicles, located in Tema. She emphasized that compliance with AfCFTA’s rules of origin—particularly the use of locally manufactured tyres, batteries, and other vehicle parts—is critical to accessing duty-free trade opportunities within Africa.
“To qualify under AfCFTA, firms must demonstrate that a significant portion of their inputs are locally sourced. This is not just a requirement; it’s an opportunity to strengthen local industries and supply chains,” the Minister said.
She revealed that the government is reviewing the national automotive policy to formally include heavy-duty vehicles, which have not been fully captured under the current framework established in 2019. The reforms are expected to unlock further investment and job creation in the automotive sector.
Zonda Tec, which currently employs over 500 Ghanaians, was praised by the Minister for its commitment to local employment and skills development. She encouraged the company to adopt a three-shift system under the 24-hour economy initiative to triple its workforce and increase productivity.
The Minister also backed Zonda’s proposed technical training school, viewing it as a strategic move to enhance skill transfer and reduce reliance on foreign labour. “In ten years, 90% of Zonda’s workforce should be Ghanaian,” she said, reinforcing the government’s broader agenda of industrialisation and youth empowerment.
On international cooperation, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare disclosed plans to lead a delegation to China to court more investment into Ghana’s auto sector. She urged Zonda to continue sending local staff to China for training to fast-track technology transfer and deepen local expertise.
Zonda Managing Director Ms. Yang Yang acknowledged the positive business climate in Ghana and reiterated the company’s support for government-led reforms. She noted that Zonda assembles a variety of vehicles in Ghana—including graders, tipper trucks, SUVs, and tankers—and welcomed efforts to refine regulatory frameworks for heavy-duty vehicle producers.
With over 100,000 vehicles imported annually and growing demand across Africa, stakeholders see these policy shifts as a pivotal moment for Ghana to transition from a car-importing economy to an automotive manufacturing and export powerhouse.
