The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers has elected Tarek Mosaad, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Middle East and Africa, as its President in Dubai.
The appointment comes as African markets work towards greater automotive integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area and national automotive policies.
Tarek Mosaad brings international leadership experience
Tarek Mosaad is an Egyptian national with more than two decades of international leadership experience.
In January 2026, Tarek Mosaad became the first Arab executive to lead Hyundai Motor Company’s Middle East and Africa Regional Headquarters. In this role, he oversees the company’s operations across both regions.
Hyundai Motor Company is also expanding its industrial and manufacturing footprint across several markets. Therefore, Tarek Mosaad’s regional experience will form part of his new leadership role at the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers.
AAAM President outlines three priorities
Tarek Mosaad has identified three priorities for his presidency.
First, he will focus on policy consistency. According to the announcement, this includes working with governments on long term and predictable automotive frameworks.
These frameworks can give manufacturers greater confidence to commit capital. In turn, this could support investment across African automotive markets.
Second, Tarek Mosaad will focus on developing Africa’s component base. The priority includes supporting the growth of African suppliers.
According to the announcement, a stronger supplier base can increase the value retained within the continent. It can also support skilled jobs and improve the competitiveness of African built vehicles.
Third, Tarek Mosaad will focus on regional integration. This work includes reducing barriers that affect the movement of vehicles, parts, skills and investment between African markets.
“No single market can realise Africa’s automotive potential alone,” Tarek Mosaad said.
“We need an interconnected ecosystem where countries contribute according to their strengths, including vehicle assembly, components, raw materials, technology and skills.”
According to Tarek Mosaad, greater integration can create the scale needed to attract investment. It can also help move more value creation onto the continent.
Hyundai Motor Company highlights the role of collaboration
José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, commented on Tarek Mosaad’s election.
“Tarek’s election reflects both his leadership and his understanding of the opportunities across Africa,” José Muñoz said.
José Muñoz said collaboration between policymakers, manufacturers and regional institutions will be needed to support Africa’s long term automotive potential. He added that Tarek Mosaad’s regional perspective would contribute to that work.
Meanwhile, several African markets have already advanced automotive localisation efforts. The announcement highlighted Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and South Africa.
These markets have drawn new investment into regional and global supply chains. As a result, they have added momentum to the wider development of Africa’s automotive sector.
Focus on suppliers, capabilities and skilled jobs
Tarek Mosaad said Africa’s automotive opportunity extends beyond vehicle assembly.
“The opportunity extends well beyond assembling vehicles,” Tarek Mosaad said. “It is about building capabilities, developing suppliers, creating skilled jobs and establishing an industry that can grow with the continent for decades.”
As President of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers, Tarek Mosaad will focus on policy consistency, supplier development and regional integration.
Together, these three areas form the priorities outlined for his presidency. The work will also centre on improving connections between automotive markets across the continent.
