A Ghanaian company is pursuing a plan to localize its car production, a move highlighted by reports from RIA Novosti citing Lawrence Auku-Boateng, who chairs the Ghanaian-Russian Business Development Council. The company had earlier secured a license to sell Lada vehicles, signaling a foundational step toward broader involvement in the brand’s market presence. These developments come as part of ongoing discussions about expanding manufacturing activities in Africa and strengthening bilateral economic ties between Ghana and Russia.
Prior coverage indicated that the Ghanaian partner is awaiting the renewal of cooperation with AvtoVAZ, the maker of Lada cars. In the past, AvtoVAZ did not permit distribution of its vehicles within the country, which created a barrier that the current talks aim to overcome. The emphasis now is on reestablishing collaborative channels that could pave the way for more extensive market access and local assembly or complete production arrangements.
Maxim Sokolov, the president of AvtoVAZ, has noted ambitious export targets for the year 2023. He indicated that the company planned to ship up to ten thousand cars, with potential emphasis on markets across North Africa and West Africa. Countries such as Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, as well as Nigeria, Ghana, and Ethiopia, were identified as likely primary customers in the near term. Additionally, plans were mentioned for setting up assembly operations in Egypt and Algeria to support regional supply chains and reduce distribution costs for African customers.
Senior executives also discussed the possibility of developing localized vehicle configurations tailored to African markets. One highlighted option was a right-hand-drive version of the Niva, designed to meet regional driving norms and consumer preferences. However, executives cautioned that engineering and testing new variants would require substantial time and effort, underscoring the practical challenges involved in adapting a global model to multiple regional specifications while maintaining quality and reliability.
There was mention of other players ready to participate in the logistics chain. The Fesco group, a logistics and freight forwarding company, reportedly expressed willingness to purchase car carriers and arrange the transport of Lada vehicles to Africa if there is a confirmed order. This reveals a broader ecosystem approach, where vehicle production, assembly, and distribution are coordinated through partnerships across manufacturing, logistics, and regional sales networks.
Overall, these discussions reflect a strategic shift toward expanding automotive manufacturing and distribution in Africa, leveraging global partnerships to bring assembly facilities closer to growing markets. The potential for localized production could reduce import duties, shorten supply chains, and create job opportunities in key regions. While the exact timelines and commitments remain contingent on regulatory approvals, investment conditions, and market demand, the trajectory suggests that AvtoVAZ is actively exploring options to strengthen its footprint in Africa through collaboration with Ghana and other regional players.