• BYD plans to open 35 dealerships in South Africa by Q1 2026, earlier than initially scheduled.
• The automaker may expand to 60–70 official outlets by end-2026, according to BYD Auto South Africa’s CEO.
• BYD aims to install 200–300 fast-charging stations in South Africa by end-2026.

China’s electric-vehicle giant BYD has increasingly targeted Africa as part of its global expansion strategy. South Africa has emerged as one of its priority destinations.

BYD aims to gain an early lead in South Africa’s electric-vehicle market. The company announced on Thursday, December 4, that it could operate 35 dealerships in the country by the first quarter of 2026, earlier than the initial target of end-2026.

Reuters, citing Steve Chang, CEO of BYD Auto South Africa, reports that strong local demand drives this acceleration. He said the company could ultimately operate 60 to 70 official outlets in Africa’s most industrialized economy by the end of next year.

South African authorities increasingly rely on Chinese operators to revive domestic vehicle manufacturing. Against this backdrop, BYD seeks to strengthen its leadership position against global rivals such as Volkswagen, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz, as well as Chinese competitors including BAIC, Great Wall Motor and Chery.

In October, BYD executive vice-president Stella Li said the company planned to install 200 to 300 fast-charging stations in South Africa by the end of 2026. The firm has not disclosed the investment cost. These stations are designed to recharge vehicles in five minutes for a range of 400 km.

The Shenzhen-based group also plans to use South Africa as a launchpad for broader expansion across the continent. “It is the biggest automotive market in the whole African continent, so we must focus our efforts here. Once we launch our activities here, we can replicate this model in other African countries,” Li said.

This article was initially published in French by Espoir Olodo

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum