In recent years, Uganda has witnessed a wave of technological innovation. In a country where access to traditional infrastructure and services can be limited, technology is emerging as a powerful catalyst for change, offering solutions to longstanding socio-economic issues.

GITEX AFRICA, the continent’s largest tech and start-up event, taking place in Marrakech, Morocco from 29 – 31 May, will host a successful Ugandan startup that is proving that technology, along with a visionary mindset, is the perfect formula to meet the challenges facing the country’s automotive industry.

AutoFore (https://apo-opa.co/3K5OhME) is a leading automotive aftersales support platform, aimed at supporting the development of sustainable, environmentally friendly automotive businesses, while providing decent employment opportunities. With a stated aim of transforming mobility in Africa through technology and skilled labour, AutoFore’s innovative solutions are reshaping the industry.

One of the company’s flagship initiatives, Auto4, an online platform connecting car owners with automotive vendors, exemplifies the transformative potential of technology in addressing local challenges. Inspired by a lack of reliable spare parts, service centres, and technical support for used imported vehicles in Uganda, Auto4 streamlines the process of sourcing quality replacement parts and accessing dependable auto repair centres, thus ensuring efficient and safe vehicle maintenance.

“Launching AutoFore in Uganda was informed by several factors. Firstly, Uganda’s automotive market presented a significant opportunity for innovation and improvement, particularly given the high percentage of used imported vehicles and the challenges associated with maintaining them. Secondly, as a local startup, we were passionate about making a positive impact in our community and contributing to the development of sustainable automotive businesses that provide meaningful employment opportunities,” said AutoFore CEO and Founder, Agatha Nambuya.

As AutoFore gears up to participate for the first time as an exhibitor at GITEX AFRICA, their expectations are high. “In addition to showcasing our flagship product, Auto4, we’re looking forward to connecting with stakeholders within the African tech ecosystem, and exploring opportunities for growth, expansion, and collaboration. We’re excited about the potential of the event to accelerate our business and contribute to the advancement of the African automotive industry,” added Nambuya.

Looking ahead, Uganda’s startup scene offers opportunities across various sectors, with immense potential to build on its 2022 total funding of almost US$25.76 million (https://apo-opa.co/3wC0PIF). Trends such as technology adoption, fintech innovation, e-commerce expansion, renewable energy, and healthcare advancement present fertile ground for entrepreneurs to make a meaningful impact.

In addition, not only is AutoFore offering technology-driven solutions and fostering sustainability; it is also creating employment opportunities within the automotive sector.

“We’re proud of the fact that our platform creates opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship within the industry,” said Nambuya. “We are currently working with 200 vendors and over 1,000 mechanics. By connecting car owners with local service centres and vendors, we support the growth of small businesses and create jobs for mechanics, technicians, and other automotive professionals. This not only contributes to economic development but also fosters skills development and capacity building within the local community.” 

However, navigating funding and investment opportunities remains a daunting challenge for startups in Uganda. Limited access to capital and a lack of investor awareness about the potential of startups hinder the growth and scalability of innovative ventures. AutoFore’s journey underscores the importance of networking, pitching, and relationship building in securing funding and overcoming these obstacles. Having a presence at GITEX AFRICA, the continent’s largest showcase of startups, with exposure to the most influential players and investors in the global startup ecosystem, is invaluable.

Bolstering Uganda’s presence at GITEX AFRICA 2024 even further, and demonstrating the esteem in which the country’s technological progress is held, is the country’s Honourable Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Monica Musenero Masanza, who will be speaking at the GITEX AFRICA Digital Summit.

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, GITEX AFRICA is held under the authority of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, supported by the Ministry of Health&Social Protection, and hosted by the Digital Development Agency. The 2nd blockbuster edition, organised by KAOUN International, follows its pioneering debut in 2023.  

More information is available at www.GITEXAFRICA.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

Media Contact:
Tayce Marchesi
PR Executive
Tel.: + 971 58 552 3994
Tayce.Marchesi@dwtc.com

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Website: www.GITEXAFRICA.com

About KAOUN International:
KAOUN International is the independent events company and wholly owned subsidiary of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) established to organize and manage events internationally. Derived from the Arabic word ‘universe’, KAOUN International’s mission is to ‘Create Limitless Connections’ for the industries and markets in which it operates. Created to leverage the 40-year legacy of DWTC’s events management business and drive future MICE sector opportunity in the MENASA region. KAOUN International delivers game-changing live experiences that build robust business connections, create opportunity, and stimulate economic growth, building on DWTC’s extensive portfolio of business and consumer events spanning multiple sectors, including technology, food and hospitality, sustainability, broadcast and satellite, automotive, talent development and leisure marine.

The Council today prolonged the mandate of the EU Training Mission in Mozambique, until 30 June 2026, with a budget allocation of over €14 million for this period.

Furthermore, the Council decided to adapt the strategic objectives of the mission to new circumstances, thereby favouring its transition from a training to an assistance model, combining advising, mentoring and specialised training in support of the units of the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) of the Mozambican armed forces.

As a consequence of this change, the mission will be renamed EU Military Assistance Mission Mozambique (EUMAM Mozambique), as of 1 September 2024.

As part of the EU’s integrated approach encompassing humanitarian, peacebuilding, security and development actions, EUTM Mozambique was set up in July 2021 with the aim of training and supporting the Mozambican armed forces in protecting the civilian population, and restoring safety and security in the Cabo Delgado province, where the security and humanitarian situation had been continuously deteriorating since 2017.

The mission has supported the capacity building of the units of the Mozambican armed forces that have then become part of the QRF. In particular, the mission has provided military training including operational preparation, specialised training on counter-terrorism, and training and education on the protection of civilians and compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Council of the European Union.

Achieves No. 1 spot with a record 26% market share in Middle East&Africa, led by strong performance in Algeria with the FIAT Professional brand; Confirms market leadership in Europe 30 and South America; North America plays a key role in Pro One success; Ram announces new professional commercial vehicle division; Stellantis Pro One (www.Stellantis.com) on track to global leadership by 2027; achieve Dare Forward 2030 target. 

Demonstrating its market leadership in the Middle East and Africa region for the second quarter in a row, the Stellantis Pro One commercial vehicles offensive delivered an excellent performance in the first quarter of 2024, accounting for one-third of Net revenues reported by Stellantis.

The performance highlights the strength of Stellantis Pro One in global markets and puts it on track to achieve global leadership in commercial vehicles by 2027 and reach the targets outlined in the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.

Stellantis Pro One Middle East and Africa region market share reached 26% in the first quarter of 2024. In addition, it maintained the No. 1 position in both EU30 and South America regions. For EU30 BEV (battery electric vehicle) sales for the quarter, Pro One takes the top spot with 33% market share, with the Peugeot brand leading across the region. 

“The Q1 2024 sales performance in commercial vehicles confirms and validates our Stellantis Pro One strategy,” said Xavier Peugeot, Stellantis Senior Vice President, Commercial Vehicles Business. “The enthusiastic welcome of our entirely new van line-up, combined with new connected services and concrete hydrogen fuel cell propulsion van offers confirm Stellantis’ position as the relevant choice for professionals.”

Regional highlights include:

Europe 30:

Maintained commercial vehicle leadership with 30% market share (ICE + BEV)  
Continued BEV leadership with 33% market share; Peugeot No. 1 brand
No. 1 in France and Spain; No. 1 in Italy with FIAT Professional market leader; No. 1 in Germany with market share up 3.6 percentage points vs. Q1 2023
BEV leadership in Poland, Belgium, and Portugal; and in the Netherlands with a 2.7 percentage point increase in total market share
Expansion of in-house production of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles on both mid-size and large vans during the year in Hordain (France) and Gliwice (Poland) will boost the Company’s Pro One hydrogen offerings and help cement Stellantis’ standing as the undisputed leader in European commercial vehicle market.

Middle East&Africa:

Stellantis Pro One achieved the No. 1 spot in the Middle East&Africa region for the second consecutive quarter
Led by strong performance in Algeria with the FIAT Professional brand, Stellantis achieves leadership in the region becoming No. 1 in light commercial vehicles (LCV) with 26% market share, up 7.5 percentage points versus Q1 2023
More than 60% volume growth fueled by Algeria, Turkey, and GCC (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman)
Stellantis maintained its No. 1 position in Turkey, Israel and overseas departments and regions of France.

North America:

Ram maintains its No. 3 position in the region 
New Ram trucks: 2025 Ram 1500 with more powerful, fuel-efficient Hurricane Twin Turbo engine now available; 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman tailored for fleet customers; and Ram 1500 RHO with 540-horsepower Hurricane H/O
In March, Ram announced the new Ram Professional commercial vehicle division with full-service customer mobility and value solutions.

South America:

Leader in LCV with 31.5% market share versus 26.6% in Q1 2023
Market leader in van and pickup sales in the region, with 37.7% and 36.5% share, respectively
FIAT Professional is the leading LCV brand in the region with 23.1% share vs. 19.9% Q1 23; Strada is the “most sold” LCV in the region with 13.8% market share vs. 11.5% Q1 23
Ram Rampage No. 2 in Brazil (C-segment pickup) with a 23% market share.

India&Asia Pacific:

Peugeot light commercial vehicles retail sales improved 50% versus the first quarter of 2023
FIAT Professional commercial performance increased 8% year-over-year, thanks to the brand’s strong performance in Australia
Ram remains the No. 1 brand in the 1-ton-plus pickup segment in the Australian market.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Stellantis.

For more information, contact:
Fernão SILVEIRA
+31 6 43 25 43 41
fernao.silveira@stellantis.com

Alessandro NARDIZZI
+39 338 62 39 046
alessandro.nardizzi@stellantis.com

communications@stellantis.com
www.Stellantis.com

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About Stellantis Pro One: 
Stellantis Pro One is dedicated to leading the global commercial vehicle market with the most efficient portfolio of products, 20,000 dedicated touchpoints and competitive services, bringing exceptional solutions from the Citroën, FIAT Professional, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall brands to professional customers. One of seven accretive businesses in the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis Pro One targets a doubling of revenues, a 40% electric vehicle mix with battery, hydrogen fuel-cell and range-extending propulsion technologies, over-the-air update capabilities for each new vehicle from 2026, a suite of connected services dedicated to improving business customer efficiency, and innovative autonomous solutions. As such, Stellantis Pro One will strongly contribute to achievement of the Dare Forward 2030 objectives to reach a 100% passenger car BEV sales mix in Europe and 50% passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix in the United States by 2030. Stellantis Pro One is fully part of the company ambition to become a carbon net zero corporation by 2038, all scopes included, with single-digit percentage compensation of remaining emissions.

About Stellantis: 
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world’s leading automakers aiming to provide clean, safe and affordable freedom of mobility to all. It’s best known for its unique portfolio of iconic and innovative brands including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, FIAT, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Stellantis is executing its Dare Forward 2030, a bold strategic plan that paves the way to achieve the ambitious target of becoming a carbon net zero mobility tech company by 2038, with single-digit percentage compensation of the remaining emissions, while creating added value for all stakeholders. For more information, visit www.Stellantis.com.