Cape Town, 3 November 2025 — The inaugural ZF Aftermarket Africa Conference convened at the iconic Boschendal Wine Estate in the Western Cape, bringing together partners from 12 African countries and French overseas territories to explore sustainable, collaborative solutions for the automotive aftermarket.
Opening Remarks and Strategic Vision
Vuyolwethu Dubese served as Conference Programme Director, welcoming delegates and highlighting ZF Aftermarket’s commitment to sustainability and responsibility: “what it is going to take to foster a transformative, sustainable and impactful automotive ecosystem in the IMEA region.”
Andre Scholle, Vice-President of ZF Aftermarket for India, Turkiye, Middle East, Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States, opened the event by emphasising the “urgency of innovation” and the importance of “customer proximity as an instrument” in expanding and diversifying ZF’s African portfolio.
Key Themes and Sector Insights
The conference centred on creating shared value through collaboration in a fragmented mobility ecosystem. Panels and presentations led by ZF Aftermarket leaders and regional partners showcased collaborative design thinking in action. Daniel Silke, a leading analyst of African political and economic trends, provided insight into regional realities and outlined strategies for maximising vehicle uptime.
Sustainability and Corporate Commitment
The choice of Boschendal as a venue reinforced ZF’s ethos of integrating environmental stewardship with technological innovation. Delegates engaged with discussions on connected, autonomous, shared and electrified mobility, reflecting ZF Aftermarket’s commitment to delivering sustainable automotive solutions across Africa.
Implications for the African Automotive Aftermarket
By convening this multi-sectoral gathering, ZF Aftermarket is positioning itself as a catalyst for integrated aftermarket growth. For fleet operators, workshops and parts suppliers, the conference signalled a shift towards deeper localisation, collaborative innovation and strategic support, with sustainability embedded into operations. The next step lies in translating these discussions into tangible, region-wide programmes and measurable outcomes.
Conclusion
The ZF Aftermarket Africa Conference 2025 showcased the company’s commitment to shaping a future-ready African mobility landscape. Through partnerships, innovation and sustainable practice, ZF is setting the stage for an aftermarket ecosystem that is connected, electrified, and resilient.
