At the recent 20th CII India–Africa Business Conclave, Mr. Rahul Nayak, Senior Vice President – International Business, TVS Motor Company, spoke passionately about Africa’s immense potential in redefining mobility and sustainability. Drawing from two decades of experience in the continent, he positioned Africa as a land on the cusp of transformation.
“In many ways, Africa today reminds me of where India stood in the 1980s and 1990s—on the cusp of transformation, brimming with talent, innovation, and market potential. I firmly believe Africa’s growth story will be as remarkable, if not greater, than India’s own journey,” he remarked.
Redefining Mobility in Africa
Reflecting on his early years in Africa, Nayak acknowledged the unique mobility patterns in the region. “In most African countries, two-wheelers are primarily used as taxis, unlike in India, where they are an everyday mode of transport for teachers, farmers, workers, and professionals alike.”
The absence of retail finance was another major hurdle. Without formal addresses or house numbers, lending institutions were reluctant to finance motorcycles. “That was the starting point of our journey,” Nayak explained.
Despite these challenges, Indian automotive brands—TVS, Bajaj, Mahindra, Tata—have redefined Africa’s mobility space. “Together, we have created ecosystems that support employment, connectivity, and socioeconomic development,” he noted with pride.
Affordability: Beyond Low Cost
Challenging conventional wisdom, Nayak stressed that affordability is not about selling the cheapest product, but about delivering long-term value. “Affordability is making sure that people can buy and sustain it—it is about fuel efficiency, durability, and low maintenance costs.”
He highlighted fintech-driven innovation as a game changer. “In Kenya, a company called Vatu has financed over 200,000 motorcycles, with repayment models as low as $4 a day. These innovations show how affordability is not just about acquisition cost but also about creating financial solutions for the bottom of the pyramid.”
Nayak also pointed to global examples. “In Brazil, startups are offering daily motorcycle rentals for as little as $2–3, generating jobs and expanding mobility access. These are ideas we must explore collectively.”
Sustainability: A Shared Commitment
TVS Motor, Nayak emphasised, has placed sustainability at the core of its operations. “Over 95% of our manufacturing runs on renewable energy. We do not pay electricity bills in our factories because we generate our own power and feed it back into the grid.”
The company is committed to bringing these practices to Africa as it expands. “If we set up assembly plants in Ghana or elsewhere, they will be powered by renewable energy and designed to minimise carbon footprint,” he affirmed.
Today, more than 4 million TVS motorcycles run on African roads. “Customers choose our brand not because it is the cheapest, but because they recognise the value of reliability, fuel efficiency, and long-term durability. That, in my view, is true affordability,” Nayak said.
A Balanced Approach to the Future of Mobility
While electric vehicles (EVs) are often hailed as the future, Nayak advocated a balanced approach. “It is not that electric vehicles will come and solve all the problems of mankind—it is not true.”
He cited Ethiopia’s recent ban on internal combustion engine vehicles as an example. “More than 50% of Ethiopia does not have access to the national grid. I know customers who pay small shops to charge their mobile phones because their homes do not have electricity. Without reliable infrastructure, an aggressive push for EVs alone may not be sustainable.”
Instead, he called for a hybrid portfolio: “EVs, yes, but also alternate fuels like CNG. Sustainability is not one-size-fits-all; it must be tailored to the unique needs of each market.”
A Partnership of Equals
What excites Nayak most about Africa is the spirit of partnership. Recalling a statement from the Vice President of Zimbabwe, he said: “Zimbabwe is open for business, but not for exploitation—only for mutual value creation. Those words deeply resonated with me.”
He added, “That is exactly how Indian companies such as Mahindra, Bajaj, Tata, and TVS have operated here. With respect, responsibility, and the belief that Africa is not just a market, but a partner in the Global South.”
Conclusion
As Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its growth journey, Nayak reaffirmed TVS Motor’s commitment. “India and Africa share values, opportunities, and challenges. Together, we can co-create ecosystems that bring mobility, employment, and growth to millions.”
“At TVS Motor, we remain deeply committed to this journey—bringing with us not just products, but solutions, innovations, and values that align with Africa’s aspirations.”
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