Shenzhen: Ghana's Ministry of Trade, Agriculture and Industry, China West Africa Eco-Drive New Energy Vehicle (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. ('West Africa Eco-Drive'), and Shenzhen Gecko New Energy Vehicle Technology Co., Ltd. ('Gecko') have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Assembly Plant in Ghana. This agreement is a significant step for Ghana's NEV industry, fostering Chinese enterprises' expansion into the African market. It represents the first collaborative investment project by a Chinese NEV company in Ghana, marking a new phase in China-Africa green industrial cooperation.
According to Ghana News Agency, the signing ceremony in Shenzhen was attended by key figures, including Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Ghana's Minister of Trade, Agriculture and Industry; Wang Qian, Chairman of West Africa Eco-Drive; Li Chunhui, CEO of West Africa Eco-Drive; and Peng Jinzhou, CEO of Gecko. The agreement is seen as an example of successful collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to enhance economic and trade ties between China and Africa.
West Africa Eco-Drive, through its subsidiary FUTURE CAR LTD., is committed to promoting green transportation across African markets. The company has established facilities for sales, maintenance, and leasing in Ghana, in collaboration with major Chinese partners such as Alibaba, Tmall Auto Service, and others. This initiative is designed to facilitate the deployment of China-manufactured pre-owned NEVs through a comprehensive end-to-end system.
Chairman Wang Qian emphasized the company's mission to establish Green Transport Corridors that offer eco-friendly and efficient NEV mobility solutions. With China's NEV sector holding a global leadership position, the company, along with partner Gecko, aims to harmonize Chinese innovation with African market demands for mutual benefits.
The global shift towards net-zero strategies has accelerated the transformation of the automotive industry towards NEVs. West Africa Eco-Drive is advancing national strategic objectives by expanding into African and South American markets, contributing to carbon emission reductions through initiatives like EV-for-petrol-vehicle replacements.
The Ghana project is set to accelerate the transition of Africa's energy and automotive industries, providing local employment and establishing comprehensive NEV service systems. CEO Li Chunhui highlighted plans to introduce Gecko's new energy commercial vehicles to replace fossil-fuel fleets in response to local transportation needs.
Gecko, focused on advanced digital chassis technology, provides integrated vehicle manufacturing solutions. CEO Peng Jinzhou noted that their cutting-edge technology and commercial vehicle solutions are designed for Ghana's transport system, aiming to drive sustainable development in local logistics and transportation.
West Africa Eco-Drive has also partnered with YANGO, a leading ride-hailing platform in Ghana, to integrate NEVs into its services, promoting widespread adoption in shared mobility.
The Ghana NEV assembly plant is a crucial step in West Africa Eco-Drive's global strategy, showcasing China's manufacturing capabilities to support global green mobility. The company plans to replicate this model across other African and South American markets, establishing ecosystems encompassing research, manufacturing, sales, and service.
Chairman Wang Qian stated that Ghana is a strategic milestone in the company's global expansion. Over the next three years, West Africa Eco-Drive aims to establish operations in multiple African and South American countries, positioning China's NEV technology as a catalyst for green transitions in developing regions.
