Academic Expert in the South African Automotive Industry

About the role

African Proficient Group is commissioning a short‑term consultancy to conduct a strategic review of South Africa’s automotive manufacturing sector and the implementation of the South African Automotive Masterplan 2035. The role is aimed at senior academics with recognised expertise in automotive policy, manufacturing systems, economics or related fields.

Key responsibilities

• Analyse the current state of South Africa’s automotive manufacturing and production engineering landscape.
• Evaluate industrial policy, trade competitiveness and localisation strategies, including APDP/APDP2 and SAAM 2035 incentives.
• Assess SKD/CKD models, electric and new‑energy vehicle trends, and future mobility pathways.
• Benchmark regional and global automotive value chains and supplier development practices.
• Prepare concise reports and policy recommendations for government, industry associations and OEMs.

Required profile

• Professor, Associate Professor, Senior Lecturer or senior researcher affiliated with a university, research institute or think‑tank.
• Master’s degree or PhD in Engineering, Economics, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Public Policy, Transport Studies or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated research and/or industry experience in the automotive sector, with a strong knowledge of South Africa’s automotive industry and policy environment.
• Record of publications, policy research, advisory work or involvement in automotive sector reviews.

Required skills