BAIC FOTON Successfully Hosts Partners Conference in Africa Focused on Localization Strategy

BAIC FOTON Successfully Hosts Partners Conference in Africa

On October 29, 2026, BAIC FOTON successfully held its Africa Partners Conference under the theme "Drive to Great" at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. This significant event attracted around 700 attendees, including political and business representatives from China and African countries, high executives from BAIC Group and BAIC FOTON, as well as key distributors, clients, and media from 42 different African nations.

The conference focused on accelerating BAIC FOTON's localization strategy in Africa, where the company has maintained its status as the top seller of commercial vehicles in China for 21 consecutive years and has been leading exports for 15 years. Currently, BAIC FOTON has expanded its operations to over 140 countries and regions, with an impressive export volume of more than 168,500 units from January to September 2026, marking a 43.6% increase year-on-year.

During the conference, Chang Rui, the CEO of BAIC Group and Chairman of BAIC FOTON, joined client representatives to formalize the delivery of 1,000 heavy trucks in Ghana and 800 in Zambia as part of their commitment to enhancing infrastructure and transportation in these nations. Meanwhile, Wu Zongtian, President of BAIC FOTON International, signed agreements for 200 new energy vehicles in Mozambique, 100 each in Ethiopia and Kenya, and another project in Zambia. These initiatives aim to promote ecological transition in key sectors such as mining and agriculture.

Wu also presented BAIC FOTON's regional strategy for Africa, which comprises three pillars: locally adapted product portfolios, a localized business ecosystem, and localized manufacturing processes. The company intends to implement a variety of technologies across its vehicle line-up, including conventional fuel vehicles, natural gas, battery-electric, and plug-in hybrids, using South Africa as a base to drive developments in Southern Africa, while also coordinating efforts in Eastern, Northern, and Western Africa.

In expanding their product range and advancing localization of manufacturing, BAIC FOTON officially launched two heavy-duty trucks—the GALAXUS R5 and GALAXUS C5—alongside the TUNLAND V PHEV pickup. This broadened offerings are aimed at enhancing heavy cargo logistics and versatile mobility solutions. With 16 production plants erected across Africa, BAIC FOTON is committed to continuing its collaborations for local manufacturing.

During the strategic signing ceremony, Dai Hongkai, the Secretary of the Party at BAIC FOTON International, formalized six cooperation agreements for local manufacturing with partners in Tanzania, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Additionally, BAIC FOTON strengthened its partnership with WesBank to facilitate vehicle acquisitions and established an alliance with DP World to manage a spare parts distribution center in Africa, providing comprehensive support to users in the region.

The conference also featured an award ceremony for partners who excelled in key accounts development, promoting new energies, after-sales services, and collaboration with distributors. Luo Yunjie, Vice President of BAIC FOTON International, announced the commencement of the African phase of the global "FOTON GALAXUS" experience and distributed flags to representatives from distributors in Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

BAIC FOTON is dedicated to continue working closely with local partners to deepen local manufacturing and industrial cooperation, improve regional supply systems, and embark on a new path toward the objective of "Drive to Great."