• TVS Motors is in discussions to build its first African motorcycle and tricycle manufacturing plant in Egypt, according to the Egyptian Investment Ministry.

• The project aims to create Africa’s largest motorcycle and three-wheeler manufacturing hub, leveraging local labor competitiveness and free-trade agreements.

• Africa’s two-wheeler market is projected to reach $7.29 billion by 2031, driven by urbanization and strong demand growth.

Indian motorcycle and two- and three-wheeler manufacturer TVS Motors is considering establishing a production facility in Egypt. Discussions are underway on the construction of the plant, according to a statement from Egypt’s Ministry of Investment.

A company delegation is expected to visit the country soon to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study of the project. “This project aims to establish the largest motorcycle and tricycle manufacturing hub in Africa, leveraging the competitiveness of local labor and free-trade agreements,” the statement said.

Initially, TVS Motors plans to launch production of internal combustion engine vehicles before gradually transitioning toward electric vehicles, in line with global industry trends. If negotiations succeed, Egypt would become the first African country to host a manufacturing facility operated by the Indian group.

At present, TVS Motors’ presence in Africa focuses mainly on distribution and assembly. A local industrial footprint could strengthen price competitiveness in an African market that still relies heavily on imported two- and three-wheelers.

According to data from market research firm Mordor Intelligence, Africa’s two-wheeler market is expected to reach $5.55 billion in 2026 and expand to $7.29 billion by 2031. The market is forecast to post a compound annual growth rate of 7.08%.

Rapid urbanization, a predominantly young population, and the continuation of incentive-based tax policies in several countries support this growth trend.

Asian manufacturers such as Bajaj, Honda and TVS dominate the African market, while Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana rank among the continent’s largest importers. A manufacturing presence by TVS Motors in Africa could intensify competitive pressure on the continent’s limited number of emerging local manufacturers.

However, no timetable or formal commitment has yet been announced. The project remains at the discussion and preliminary study stage, and its execution will depend on the outcome of negotiations, as well as the investment and industrial establishment conditions offered.

This article was initially published in French by Henoc Dossa

Adapted in English by Ange J. A. de BERRY QUENUM