19/10/2026
How can South Africa’s electric mobility transition create opportunities for employment, SMME development and business ownership?
uYilo Programme Manager Edem Foli explored this question in her keynote address "Battery and EV Opportunities for South Africa" at SA Auto Week 2026.
She highlighted independent battery state-of-health assessments for second-hand EVs as a potential local business opportunity, providing credible information to support decisions by buyers, dealers, fleet operators, financiers and insurers.
Further opportunities extend across the battery lifecycle, including repurposing suitable batteries for stationary energy storage and electric micromobility applications, and preparing spent batteries for downstream recycling.
Developing viable businesses requires practical skills, credible testing methods and access to equipment, technical support and customers. uYilo’s testing, applied research and skills development capabilities support this local participation, alongside collaboration across industry, government and training institutions.
The keynote was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Singata Mapasa, with Grant Leppan, Motsamai M., Grant Locke, IMC, CFA and Zimkhita Botha. The discussion brought OEM and industry perspectives on the new energy vehicle value chain and South Africa’s participation in the transition.
