A new era for Africa’s automotive industry has begun. On April 24, 2025, in the vibrant city of Kigali, seasoned motoring journalists from across the continent came together to announce the formation of the Association of Africa's Automotive Journalists (AAAJ)—a unified force dedicated to shaping the narrative of Africa’s booming auto sector.
The historic launch, held alongside Volkswagen’s showcase of new models and test drives attended by over 25 journalists from Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Mauritius, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Malawi, marks a bold step toward elevating Africa’s voice in the global automotive conversation.
A Vision for Africa’s Automotive Story
Spearheaded by Mike Ochonma, a two-term Chairman of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) and a leading figure in African automotive journalism, AAAJ emerges as a long-envisioned platform to champion excellence in reporting, foster collaboration, and drive industry growth.
“AAAJ is more than an association—it’s a movement,” declared Ochonma, the newly elected President. “Africa’s automotive industry is rising, and we, as journalists, must ensure its story is told with accuracy, depth, and pride. Our mission is to unite, upskill, and amplify the voices shaping this sector.”
Leadership & Continental Collaboration
Joining Ochonma in leading AAAJ are:
Trevor Lamenya (Kenya) – Vice President
Fact Jeke (Zimbabwe) – Secretary General
Moses Akaigwe (Nigeria) & Richard Wiley (South Africa) – Advisers
The association’s core objectives include:
✔ Professional Development: Training programs, workshops, and awards to elevate automotive journalism.
✔ Industry Advocacy: Promoting unbiased, insightful reporting on Africa’s auto evolution.
✔ Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with key players like the Association of African Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) to drive industrialization.
Synergy with AAAM: Fueling Africa’s Auto Industrialization
AAAJ stands as a critical ally to AAAM, which has been instrumental in advancing Africa’s automotive manufacturing since 2015. With AfCFTA accelerating intra-African trade, AAAJ will spotlight policy developments, investment opportunities, and innovation across the continent’s auto value chain.
Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, CEO of AAAM, hailed the launch: “A strong, informed media is vital to Africa’s automotive growth. AAAJ will ensure the world sees Africa not just as a market, but as a powerhouse of innovation and production.”
Martina Biene, Chairperson of Volkswagen Group Africa, echoed the sentiment: “This is a milestone. Together, we will shape an African auto industry that competes globally.”
The Road Ahead
As Africa accelerates toward becoming a global automotive hub, AAAJ is set to:
*Host the Pan-African Auto Media Summit in 2026
* Launch an annual awards program recognizing outstanding automotive journalism.
* Publish exclusive reports on emerging trends, from electric vehicles to local assembly growth.
“This is our time,” Ochonma concluded. “Through AAAJ, we will ensure Africa’s automotive revolution is documented, celebrated, and driven forward by those who know it best—African journalists.”
About AAAJ:
The Association of Africa's Automotive Journalists (AAAJ) is the premier network for automotive media professionals across the continent, committed to advancing excellence in reporting and fostering the growth of Africa’s auto industry.
