Slow mover, fast future — how SA can leap-frog the global EV transition
South Africa cannot compete with global giants such as China in the race to mass-produce electric vehicles. But by identifying gaps in emerging technologies, backing local innovation and building on existing manufacturing strengths, it could leapfrog the competition rather than spend years playing catch-up.
By Kelvin NaidooSouth Africa
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South Africa cannot compete with global giants such as China in the race to mass-produce electric vehicles. But by identifying gaps in emerging technologies, backing local innovation and building on existing manufacturing strengths, it could leapfrog the competition rather than spend years playing catch-up.
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About this article
- Length
- 44 words · 1 min read
- Published
- November 10, 2026
- Byline
- Kelvin Naidoo
- Source
- Daily Maverick