Chances are rising that Lada cars built by the Russian automaker AvtoVAZ will begin to roll off production lines in Africa. Ethiopia’s ambassador to Russia, Cham Ugala Uriat, confirmed that an agreement is in place for Russian-made Lada vehicles to be manufactured within Ethiopia. This update was reported by TASS and picked up by regional observers who track automotive and trade links between Russia and Africa. Uriat explained that a contract has already been signed with an Ethiopian company, paving the way for local assembly of Ladas in the near term. The ambassador stressed that these vehicles will be produced domestically in Ethiopia, signaling a new chapter in East Africa’s automotive landscape. (Source: TASS)
Uriat also touched on a broader financial dimension. He noted that if Russia’s Mir payment system is activated for use in Ethiopia in the future, it would remove barriers and facilitate smoother transactions for both businesses and consumers, reducing friction in cross-border trade. The remarks point to a growing focus on payment integration as part of broader economic cooperation with Russia. (Source: TASS)
In related developments, there have been earlier reports about AvtoVAZ continuing vehicle production in neighboring countries. Specifically, discussions indicated that a continuation of Lada manufacturing in Kazakhstan could extend into 2024. Officials in Kazakhstan held talks with partners and government leaders to align regulatory frameworks in support of ongoing collaboration. These regulatory adjustments were described as necessary for maintaining a stable production and supply chain for the Lada lineup in the region. (Source: TASS)
Production activity at the SaryarkaAvtoProm plant in Kostanay, which is owned by the Allur group, has faced pauses in recent years. The plant previously assembled several models from the Lada range, including Granta, Niva, and Vesta, contributing to regional automotive output. The status of operations and future scheduling have been subjects of ongoing discussion among industry watchers and government partners who monitor automotive capacity and export potential in Kazakhstan. (Source: TASS)
Beyond these national moves, AvtoVAZ has publicly described its regional strategy as one aimed at expanding market presence and maintaining production continuity across multiple countries. While specifics vary by country, the overarching goal appears to be sustaining plant utilization and delivering affordable vehicles to growing consumer bases in Eurasia and Africa. (Source: TASS)