Chinese manufacturer Jiangmen Tengxin Motorcycle Technology Co.Limited is set to establish a US$100 million electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Nigeria, positioning the country as a key distribution hub for the West African market.
The company, which exports to 33 countries and has an annual production capacity of 500,000 engines and 300,000 scooters, has been engaging the Cross River State Government for the past four months to advance the investment, according to documents seen by MBC Digital.
The proposed facility will focus on the assembly and manufacturing of electric scooters and related components, targeting Nigeria’s rapidly growing urban mobility market and neighbouring West African countries.
In a letter welcoming the development, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, described the proposed investment as “a major boost to industrialisation, job creation and green mobility” in the state.
Governor Otu said the project aligns with Nigeria’s broader push to attract large-scale manufacturing investments and promote cleaner transport solutions.
He further indicated that the state government is prepared to support the project, saying it would “facilitate land access, regulatory approvals and other investment requirements to ensure the project’s timely implementation.”
The Chinese delegation is expected to arrive in Nigeria in late February 2026 to finalise technical, regulatory and operational requirements for the investment.
The Nigeria deal follows a similar agreement recently concluded in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Tongai Mnangagwa, said the government was pleased to receive Jiangmen Tengxin’s investment proposal.
“This investment aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’ policy,” said Mnangagwa.
He added that the project reflects “growing confidence by Chinese investors in Africa’s manufacturing potential and the continent’s shift towards sustainable transport solutions.”
Industry sources say similar investment deals are also being pursued in South Africa and Kenya, as Jiangmen Tengxin accelerates its Africa expansion strategy.
Investment banking firm Treadway has been working to connect Chinese manufacturers with African governments and markets, facilitating negotiations and investment structuring across the continent.
For full localisation of its African operations, Jiangmen Tengxin Motorcycle Technology Co. Ltd. has partnered with Agilitee, a pan-African electric mobility company.
The Chinese investor is expected to utilise Agilitee’s existing ecosystem and infrastructure across Africa for the rollout of its EV products. However, Agilitee had not responded to questions from MBC Digital by the time of publication.
Nigeria’s scooter market
Nigeria has one of the largest two-wheeler markets in Africa, driven by rapid urbanisation, traffic congestion and rising demand for affordable transport solutions.
Electric scooters are increasingly viewed as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative, particularly for last-mile delivery, ride-hailing and urban commuting.
With Nigeria’s large population and strategic location, analysts say the proposed Cross River State plant could significantly enhance regional EV distribution, reduce import dependence and strengthen local value chains.
By Mirriam Kaliza
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