By: Dr. Getahun Garedew Wodaje
A powerful tide of industrial transformation is sweeping across Africa, with Ethiopia emerging as a dynamic hub at its forefront. In a remarkable two-week span, the Ethiopian capital recently played host to four significant events, collectively signaling a continent-wide commitment to economic self-determination and sustainable industrial growth.
The "Ethiopia Tamirt" Expo, the Invest in Ethiopia 2025 High-Level Business Forum, the 6th COMESA Federation of Women in Business Trade Fair, and the Ethiopian Technology Expo 2025 (ETEX 2025) each showcased different facets of Africa's ambitious new agenda.
The "Ethiopia Tamirt" Expo, held from May 5th to 9th, championed locally manufactured goods under the "Made in Ethiopia" banner. The event drew over 120,000 visitors and facilitated approximately four billion birr in trade among 288 participating industries. This strong domestic showing was followed by the Invest in Ethiopia 2025 Forum (May 12-13), which successfully attracted a significant $1.6 billion in foreign direct investment into the nation's burgeoning economy.
Running concurrently with a portion of the "Ethiopia Tamirt" Expo, the COMESA Federation of Women in Business Trade Fair (May 5-9) underscored the vital role of women entrepreneurs in driving regional integration and sustainable development, aligning with the broader goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). A notable panel discussion during this event, "Shaping an inclusive future: the impact of youth entrepreneurs in green and circular economies through sustainable investment," highlighted the continent's focus on future-oriented, inclusive growth.
The fortnight of innovation concluded with ETEX 2025 (May 16-18) at the Addis International Convention Center. This event, co-organized by the Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII) and the Information Network Security Administration (INSA), illuminated Ethiopia's advancements in cutting-edge fields such as AI, Fintech, Cybersecurity, smart cities, and the vibrant startup ecosystem. Attracting over 10,000 attendees, ETEX 2025 reinforced Ethiopia's digital ambitions as laid out in its Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy and the pan-African Agenda 2063.
These events in Addis Ababa are not isolated occurrences but rather a powerful testament to a continent actively embracing a new form of sovereignty – one rooted in robust production, groundbreaking innovation, and deep regional integration. Across Africa, nations are strategically positioning themselves to harness their own resources and capabilities. Examples abound, from hydrogen-powered iron production in Namibia to the development of EV battery corridors in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, and from Ethiopia's burgeoning tech and manufacturing sectors to AfCFTA-aligned trade initiatives. Energy and industry are increasingly becoming instruments of national and continental self-determination.
This contemporary African vision of sovereignty is not about isolation but about building resilient, self-sustaining economies capable of producing, powering, and prospering on African terms in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly evolving global landscape.
North Africa: A Battery Powerhouse in the Making
Morocco stands as a prime example of this transformative trend. In June 2024, the North African nation solidified a landmark agreement with China's Gotion High-Tech to establish Africa's inaugural electric vehicle (EV) battery gigafactory. Valued at $1.3 billion, the Kenitra-based plant is projected to commence production by 2026, initially yielding 20 GWh of lithium batteries with on-site cathode and anode manufacturing, with potential for a fivefold expansion.
The majority of the factory's output is earmarked for export, signifying Morocco's intent to transcend mere car assembly and instead produce the high-tech components essential for powering the global shift to electric vehicles. The Moroccan government views this strategic move as crucial for safeguarding the 220,000 jobs within its thriving automotive sector as the world transitions away from internal combustion engines. With automotive exports reaching an impressive $14 billion in 2023, a 27% increase year-on-year, and existing Stellantis and Renault plants collectively assembling 700,000 vehicles annually, Morocco, with its strategic proximity to Europe and favorable trade agreements, is rapidly solidifying its position as a competitive EV manufacturing hub.
Southern Africa: Green Hydrogen and Battery Metals Lead the Way
Namibia is at the forefront of industrial innovation. In April 2025, it achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first Southern African nation to produce green hydrogen and zero-emission iron at the HyIron Oshivela plant. This German-Namibian joint venture, powered by a 12 MW solar electrolyzer, is dedicated to direct reduced iron (DRI) production. At full operational capacity, the facility is expected to generate 1 million tons of green iron annually, mitigating 1.8 million tons of CO₂ emissions and creating 900 permanent jobs.
Building on this success, Namibia is planning a monumental $10 billion green hydrogen megaproject in the Tsau ǁKhaeb desert, anticipated to produce 300,000 tonnes of hydrogen annually. This ambitious undertaking is poised to position Namibia as a key clean energy exporter and further advance its energy sovereignty.
Simultaneously, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, which collectively hold 70% of the world's EV battery minerals, are collaborating on a groundbreaking transboundary Battery and EV Special Economic Zone. This initiative represents a strategic pivot from exporting raw ores to producing battery precursors and complete units on African soil, transforming the continent from a raw material supplier into a formidable green manufacturing force driven by cross-border solidarity and value addition.
East Africa: Reforms Paving the Way for Self-Reliance
East Africa is quickly asserting itself in the continent’s industrial transformation. In Kenya, by mid-2025, over 9,000 electric vehicles were on the road, double the 2023 figure, a testament to the effectiveness of tax incentives, green license plates, and a national e-mobility policy. At the Olkaria geothermal-powered industrial zone, firms are establishing low-carbon factories powered by Kenya’s 90% renewable grid, demonstrating how clean energy can simultaneously drive industrial growth and economic sovereignty.
The Invest in Ethiopia 2025 forum, as mentioned, garnered over $1.6 billion in investments targeting solar, mining, and manufacturing industries. A significant transformation is underway in these critical sectors, as they transition from being entirely state-controlled to fostering greater collaboration with private businesses. With a focus on industrial parks, digital systems, and a young, dynamic labor force, Ethiopia is actively encouraging growth in agriculture, textiles, and technology, thereby taking control of its industrial development. These are not merely abstract policies; every new factory established in places like Dire Dawa or Bishoftu directly translates into job creation, skill development, and enhanced economic resilience.
The Continental Giant at a Crossroads
South Africa, the continent's most industrialized economy, remains central to Africa's economic trajectory. In 2023, it achieved a significant milestone with record auto exports – 390,000 vehicles valued at $14.3 billion. However, structural challenges persist, particularly within the energy sector, where recurrent power outages continue to erode industrial competitiveness and investor confidence.
To reassert energy sovereignty, the South African government is in the process of unbundling Eskom and opening power generation and transmission to private and municipal actors. Coupled with growing renewable energy investments and regulatory reforms, these steps signify a crucial shift toward a more decentralized and resilient energy system. By reclaiming control over its energy future, South Africa is not only addressing supply instability but is also laying the groundwork for industrial renewal, fostering low-carbon competitiveness, and solidifying its leadership in Africa’s energy transition under the AfCFTA framework.
A Continent Asserting Its Economic Independence
Across Morocco, Namibia, Zambia, Ethiopia, and South Africa, a singular truth emerges: Africa is not just catching up—it is catching on. This is sovereignty in action—not isolationism, but intelligent, strategic engagement. These concerted efforts are transforming raw potential into tangible power: from EV batteries and green hydrogen fuels to job-rich industrial sectors that directly reflect African priorities and aspirations.
The emergence of the AfCFTA provides a continental scale to these national endeavors. Imagine a battery built in Morocco, powered by Namibian hydrogen and Congolese cobalt, soon driving an electric bus assembled in Ethiopia, effortlessly crossing African borders with zero tariffs. This vision is rapidly becoming a reality.
While challenges such as financing, governance, and negotiation leverage persist, the overarching trend is unmistakable: sovereignty is no longer an abstract concept. It is green, it is regional, and it is undeniably "Made in Africa."
About the Author:
Dr. Getahun Garedew Wodaje is an environmentalist and policy expert who currently serves as Special Adviser to the Secretary-General for Environmental Policy and Climate Action at the Organisation of Southern Cooperation. He previously held prominent positions as Ethiopia’s State Minister of Education and as Director General of the Environmental Protection Authority.