Here is the secret plan of Byd to counter Europe which refuses its electric vehicles

The company therefore multiplies strategic partnerships to bypass Western trade barriers and set up sustainably, reports Young Africa. Byd has great ambitions in Africa, where local production is privileged.

Byd is focusing on Africa to support its domination

The Chinese manufacturer is collaborating with continent companies to improve infrastructure, transfer technologies and ensure a presence before everyone on this promising market, from Kenya to South Africa. Electric mobility is a major issue for the continent, especially in countries where growth is accelerating for electric batteries and motorcycles.

Kaushik Burman, CEO of an electric motorcycle company called Spiro, confirms negotiations with Byd. “We discuss a partnership in the fields of batteries which will soon be ready, but we will choose our partners strategically and not only because they are available.” Spiro already operates a battery factory in Kenya and wishes to open new ones in Uganda, Rwanda and Nigeria.

Partnerships with world suppliers like Byd are essential to develop locally. Ampersand, based in Kigali, also signed an agreement with Byd in 2024.

There are also contracts between the Chinese manufacturer and countries like South Africa, Zambia, Kenya, Rwanda and Egypt. African markets whose growth explodes for electricity. BYD is also associated with public transport operators, automotive distributors and local assemblers to bypass gaps in terms of infrastructure and regulations.

LOXEA, a subsidiary of CFAO Mobility, which is present in 38 African countries, is one of its main partners with Basigo in Kenya and Pilatus Electric Mobility in Zambia.

“These partnerships allow Byd to instantly access our networks and our customers”explains Jennifer Kinyoe, Managing Director of Loxea in Kenya. “They cannot develop alone, this collaboration is made to last.” Dealers of African countries have control of regulations and expertise that is lacking in foreign companies like Byd.

Dennis Wakaba, Nairobi -based electric mobility consultant, share this analysis: “It is a matter of economic intelligence. Foreign companies could make serious mistakes if they were trying to get started.”

Byd undergoes the rejection of the whole West

African expansion is therefore a response to the difficulties undergone byd in the West. Its electric vehicles are Discarded from social leasing in France And Europe has established customs duties up to 45.3 % on Chinese models since last October. Measures that destroy Chinese competition and slow down its growth in Europe and North America.

South Africa is the largest economy and automotive market on the continent and it particularly attracts the attention of byd. The manufacturer aims to triple its network of dealerships by 2026 with its office in Johannesburg. Steve Chang, Managing Director of South Africa, aims “To open around 20 dealers by the end of the year and 30 to 35 next year”.

It was in 2022 that Byd turned 100 % to electric and hybrid vehicles, then exceeded Tesla in 2024 with 3.84 million vehicles delivered. Its global expansion is accelerating with 417,200 models sold abroad in 2024 and this year’s target is 800,000 vehicles.

But the threat of customs duties hangs over byd. The 30 % price on African exports established by Donald Trump comes into force in August. This could have consequences on supply chains and accentuate competition.