Business

Association of Africa’s Automotive Journalists Debuts in Kigal

Published

1 year ago

May 9, 2025

In a landmark move set to elevate automotive journalism across the continent, the Association of Africa’s Automotive Journalists (AAAJ) was officially launched in Kigali, Rwanda, heralding a new era of professional collaboration and industry-focused storytelling in Africa’s burgeoning auto sector.

The unveiling, which coincided with a test-driving event featuring Volkswagen’s latest models, brought together over 25 leading motoring journalists from across the continent. Representatives from Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Mauritius, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Malawi were in attendance—marking a significant step toward continental media integration in the automotive sphere.

At the forefront of the initiative is Mike Ochonma, former Chairman of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), who now serves as the inaugural President of AAAJ. In his remarks, Ochonma described the association as the outcome of years of dialogue and strategic collaboration among automotive media professionals across Sub-Saharan Africa.

“The AAAJ is more than just a network of journalists—it’s a vision-driven platform to shape the future of automotive storytelling in Africa,” said Ochonma. “Our goal is to ensure that the continent’s voice is heard clearly, accurately, and professionally in the global auto narrative.”

The newly formed executive committee includes:

Mike Ochonma (Nigeria) – President

Trevor Lamenya (Kenya) – Vice President

Fact Jeke (Zimbabwe) – Secretary General

Moses Akaigwe (Nigeria) and Richard Wiley (South Africa) – Advisers

Additional appointments to key leadership roles are expected in the coming months as the organization expands its reach and structure.

The AAAJ’s mission is centered on fostering a unified, credible, and professional media space that not only informs but also influences the growth of Africa’s automotive sector. The association aims to provide a collaborative environment for sharing insights, raising journalistic standards, and telling the untold stories of Africa’s evolving automotive ecosystem.

Ochonma emphasized that AAAJ will work in harmony with established industry bodies such as the Association of African Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM), which has been instrumental in championing automotive industrialization since 2015.

By aligning media efforts with industrial goals, the AAAJ seeks to promote regional value chains, support investor-friendly policies, and spotlight local manufacturing success stories.

Industry leaders have welcomed the launch with optimism. Martina Biene, Chairperson and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Africa, and Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, CEO of AAAM, both praised the initiative. They pledged support to the AAAJ, urging its members to serve as advocates and chroniclers of the continent’s automotive journey.

“Africa’s auto story is just beginning, and it needs storytellers who understand the terrain,” said Biene. “With AAAJ, we have the chance to rewrite Africa’s narrative—authentically, boldly, and collaboratively.”

As Africa continues to harness the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and expand its manufacturing capabilities, the AAAJ is positioning itself not merely as a media body, but as an essential voice documenting and shaping Africa’s automotive rise.