As the world accelerates toward a carbon-neutral future, the automotive industry, long considered one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions is being urged to overhaul its operations. A major development in that push came recently with the release of a new draft Automotive Sector Net-Zero Standard by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aimed at guiding automakers and parts manufacturers toward credible and science-aligned emissions reductions.
The SBTi, a leading authority in corporate climate target setting, unveiled the draft as part of its wider strategy to align industries with the global ambition of limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. With transport responsible for more than 20 percent of man-made emissions, the automotive sector is under growing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, not only in its factories, but throughout the value chain, from raw material sourcing to vehicle disposal.
The new standard comes at a pivotal moment. Globally, the shift toward electric mobility is gathering pace, with governments enforcing stricter emissions regulations and consumers demanding greener transport solutions. In Africa, however, the transformation has been slower, hampered by infrastructural gaps, policy lags, and market readiness. With initiatives like this global framework now available, there is renewed urgency and opportunity for the continent to act.
According to the SBTi, the new standard is designed not only to provide clear guidance for emissions reductions but also to ensure accountability across all levels of the automotive ecosystem. The draft outlines specific requirements for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), such as including emissions from fuel use and vehicle end-of-life in their net-zero strategies. Importantly, companies will need to increase their share of low-emission vehicle (LEV) sales as part of their transition plans.
For auto parts suppliers, the standard introduces new expectations: disclosing the share of parts sold for LEVs, cutting emissions tied to material extraction and production, and aligning operations with broader net-zero goals. These requirements are closely tied to the draft of the SBTi’s updated Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2, ensuring consistency across sectors while recognizing the unique challenges of the automotive industry.
While the standards have global reach, their implications for Africa cannot be overlooked. The continent is at a crossroads: on one hand, still developing much of its automotive infrastructure; on the other, facing mounting climate-related vulnerabilities—from fuel import volatility to urban air pollution and extreme weather threatening supply chains.
In Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Morocco; home to emerging and established auto assembly hubs, the conversation around clean mobility is intensifying. South Africa, for instance, has announced plans to transition to electric vehicle manufacturing as part of its national green industrial policy. Kenya recently launched a National Electric Mobility Plan that prioritizes two- and three-wheeler electrification, a key step in reducing emissions from urban transport.
However, these efforts must be matched by robust industry standards and long-term planning. The SBTi’s new automotive framework offers a pathway for African manufacturers and suppliers to align with international best practices while positioning themselves competitively in the global market. It is also a wake-up call for policymakers to incentivize clean manufacturing, invest in EV infrastructure, and future-proof local industries against shifting investor expectations and trade regulations.
Karl Downey, Head of Sector Standards at SBTi, emphasized the urgency of action in the official announcement. “Decarbonizing the road transport sector is a crucial component of meeting our global net-zero goals,” he said. “The automotive sector has a substantial role to play as providers of new vehicles. The transition to net-zero provides an abundance of opportunity for industry innovation and attractive offers for customers.”
Indeed, the opportunity for innovation in Africa’s automotive future is immense—from developing affordable EV models tailored to local needs, to creating green jobs in battery assembly and vehicle servicing. To seize this opportunity, African companies must start embedding science-based targets into their business strategies now, not later.
As part of the rollout, the SBTi has launched a public consultation period for stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft standard. This includes reviewing the proposed low-emission vehicle thresholds, reporting expectations for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and new disclosure rules for parts manufacturers. The consultation is a chance for African actors—governments, companies, and civil society—to shape a standard that reflects both global ambition and regional realities.
This new standard stands out not just as a technical guideline but as a symbol of where the future is heading toward cleaner roads, smarter manufacturing, and industries that serve both people and planet. In a rapidly transforming global market, the message is clear; Africa’s automotive industry can either accelerate toward sustainability or be left behind in the exhaust.
