Laraki, a Moroccan brand of sports cars, took the lead among ten African-made cars, according to a report by Africa Business Insider, a leading pan-African provider of innovative business news.
The report, entitled “Top Automobile Manufacturers in Africa,” highlighted that Moroccan designer and entrepreneur Abdesslam Laraki, who was behind the launch of Laraki in 1999, is a prominent example of African automotive ingenuity. Founded in 1973 through car imports, the company is today known for its concept cars, which can be made-to-order for customers.
The Laraki Epitome Concept, featuring a V8 engine, 1100 Horsepower (RPM), and a top speed of 175 mph, received global attention and was sold for $2,000,000 in 2013. Its number one rating among ten manufacturers represents both individual accomplishment and the larger potential of Africa’s automobile industry, encouraging self-sufficiency and global acclaim.
According to the report, the continent imported four times more automotive products than it exported in 2020, with imports totaling $52 billion compared to $13 billion in exports.
Despite this trade discrepancy, the article highlights Africa’s developing car manufacturing sector, with companies purposely designing vehicles to fit the continent’s different terrains and populations.
The list also provides names of other African manufactures such as Birkin Cars (South Africa) which secured the second position followed by Wallys Automobile (Tunisia).
The paper also references Mordor Intelligence data, which highlights optimistic growth forecasts in large African countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. These countries are stepping up efforts to increase domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.