A groundbreaking shift in North Africa’s industrial landscape is taking shape, as Algeria prepares to locally manufacture electric motorcycles—a development that signals a broader regional pivot toward clean urban transport solutions.
Amid a global electric vehicle (EV) boom dominated by giants like Tesla, BYD, and Xiaomi, Algerian company VMS Industrie has unveiled plans to establish the continent’s first large-scale electric scooter manufacturing plant.
The facility will span over 10 hectares in the Oued El Bardi industrial zone in Bouira, marking a transformative step in the Maghreb’s mobility ecosystem.
“Unique in Africa,” said Abdelhak Taïb, Marketing Director of VMS Industrie, describing the project, which has secured direct support from Algeria’s president.
The company initially considered hybrid technology but shifted to a fully electric strategy in response to rapidly evolving market trends.
Traditionally linked with hydrocarbons, Algeria’s unexpected leap into green technology highlights a strategic economic realignment.
The planned complex is expected to position the country as a pioneer in sustainable mobility across both Africa and the Mediterranean basin.
VMS Industrie, the national leader in motorcycle manufacturing, is capitalizing on its deep experience in producing key vehicle components, especially chassis. This expertise is set to ensure a high local integration rate from the outset.
The company’s extensive network of national subcontractors—already providing batteries, plastic parts, and metal structures—adds a strong domestic backbone to the initiative.
This integrated supply chain is anticipated to provide a major competitive edge as the electric two-wheeler market continues to expand.
As traffic congestion and pollution plague major urban areas, electric motorcycles are becoming an increasingly attractive alternative.
Algeria’s foray into this sector not only underscores the country’s adaptability but also offers a compelling example of how traditional energy economies can lead in sustainable innovation.
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