Bako Motors’ inaugural export to the German market signals a new era for Tunisia’s automotive industry, as the country accelerates its transition toward high-value-added manufacturing and sustainable mobility.
Tunisia has achieved a landmark breakthrough in its automotive sector with the export of its first shipment of locally manufactured electric vehicles to Germany, dispatched on Friday, July 31, 2026. The consignment, produced by Tunisian firm Bako Motors, marks a decisive step forward for the nation’s industrial ambitions and its push to integrate into the global electric vehicle (EV) supply chain.
This milestone opens promising new horizons for Tunisia’s domestic industry, which is steadily moving up the value chain by pivoting toward advanced sectors—most notably sustainable transportation.
A Strategic Breakthrough
Bako Motors, an innovative Tunisian enterprise, already exports its vehicles to several countries, including Italy, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Its entry into the German market—Europe’s largest automotive economy—reinforces the company’s international expansion and reflects a growing international recognition of the quality of Tunisian industrial products, according to the Ministry of Trade.
This success is part of a broader transformation reshaping Tunisia’s automotive landscape. The country now hosts nearly 280 companies specializing in automotive components, generating approximately 95,000 jobs. In 2025, sector exports reached nearly $3.9 billion, positioning Tunisia as Africa’s second-largest player in the automotive industry.
Tunisia has cultivated particular expertise in the manufacturing of electrical wiring harnesses and automotive parts—a proficiency that is proving instrumental in facilitating its integration into the global EV value chain.
Local Integration Exceeds 40%
El Borji revealed that Bako Motors’ electric vehicle boasts a local integration rate of over 40%, encompassing a wide range of domestically produced components. These include batteries, electrical cables, aluminum parts, specific textiles for seating, wheels, and various other industrial elements.
For the director general, this evolution underscores Tunisia’s gradual industrial transition—shifting from an assembly-based model toward enhanced capabilities in design, manufacturing, and innovation.
The development of this sector also aligns with a global context marked by accelerating energy transition efforts and surging demand for eco-friendly mobility solutions that reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
EV Industry Takes Center Stage
As Tunisia continues to build its reputation as a competitive manufacturing hub, the Bako Motors shipment to Germany stands as a testament to the country’s ability to meet the highest international standards. This export not only strengthens bilateral trade ties but also positions Tunisia as a rising force in the race to shape the future of electric mobility.
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