Apr 16, 2025 Market Intelligence Agency, EV Battery Manufacturing initiative, Dr. Kelvin Kemm, Desiree Ntshingila,
Market Intelligence Agency unveils EV Battery Manufacturing initiative
Market Intelligence Agency (MIA Holding) a strategic South African enterprise focused on mobility technologies, AI-integrated systems, and energy intelligence, has announced the early-stage development of a landmark lithium battery manufacturing project for electric vehicles (EVs). The initiative is part of a broader plan that also includes local production of EV charging units, positioning South Africa to play a leading role in the continent’s green mobility revolution.
The initiative spearheaded through MIA’s innovation hubs, MIA Energy IQ and MIA
Manufacturing IQ will be the first of its kind in South Africa, introducing a globally
competitive, locally produced EV battery and supporting infrastructure. The initiative is
being developed through MIA’s subsidiaries; MIA Energy IQ, focused on energy intelligence and systems design, and MIA Manufacturing IQ, focused on industrial capability development. This high-impact project will be spearheaded by Dr. Kelvin Kemm, renowned South African nuclear physicist and MIA’s Global Head of Nuclear Energy and Energy Technology Systems.
Dr. Kemm’s role marks a milestone in South Africa’s ambitions to create home-grown, highvalue energy solutions that are globally competitive. As part of its drive to accelerate local capability in electric mobility infrastructure, MIA has signed a MOU with a leading Asian electric vehicle charger manufacturer to facilitate skills development and technology transfer. This strategic collaboration ensures that cutting-edge charger production technologies not currently available in South Africa can be localized through training, shared technical IP, and joint development. The partnership is a critical step in enabling South Africa to build its own end-to-end electric vehicle value chain.
MIA’s vision is to reduce South Africa’s reliance on imported EVC components, while
boosting local content, job creation, and industrial competitiveness. The battery will
become a cornerstone product for the South African automotive industry, creating value for both domestic assembly and export markets. The project is currently in the planning and early development phase, with feasibility studies, industrial site selection, and investor engagements underway. The estimated investment required for establishing the combined lithium battery and EV charger manufacturing facilities is projected at R1.5 billion (US$80 million), subject to final approvals and capital mobilisation.
"South Africa cannot afford to be only an importer of battery technology." Says Dr Kelvin
Kemm "It is imperative that we give serious attention to the important strategic question of energy security. We, therefore, are developing a locally engineered battery technology
platform that can serve South Africa, but also broader markets outside our country. We need to harness our national spirit of innovation and accepting a challenge, and develop the required battery technology under local conditions."
MIA will drive the development of the EV battery plant, leveraging
local skills, international partnerships, and cutting-edge science. Designed for multiple
applications across light vehicles, electric buses, logistics fleets, and heavy-duty trucks, the battery will form a critical component of South Africa’s future mobility value chain. Research and development is underway, and production is expected to commence in 2027.
Desiree Ntshingila, CEO of Market Intelligence Agency, said: “South Africa has the capacity and the capability to lead in this space. This project is a game changer because we believe in the power of South African led solutions. We are no longer waiting for transformation, we are building it.” South Africa is uniquely positioned to support the growth of a local battery manufacturing industry, thanks to its rich reserves of critical minerals used in lithium-ion battery production. The country is home to significant deposits of manganese, nickel, cobalt,graphite, and lithium all essential components in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. By harnessing these mineral endowments, the project is poised to stimulate vertical integration across the mining and energy value chain, while supporting beneficiation and unlocking new industrial opportunities in the battery metals sector.
A Dual-Manufacturing Strategy: EV Batteries and EV Chargers - MIA’s approach combines two complementary tracks:
• Track 1: Lithium Battery Systems : Targeting EV and renewable energy storage
markets
• Track 2: EV Charger Manufacturing : Supporting the broader electric mobility
infrastructure
This model creates synergies across supply chains while driving localisation of technologies traditionally imported at a high cost.
Estimated Impact (Planning-Phase Projections)
• 2,500+ direct jobs in high-tech manufacturing and research over time
• 10,000+ indirect jobs through supply chains and services
• Reduction of up to 30% in imported EV battery components by 2030
• Strengthens local automotive manufacturing and export readiness.
"South Africa has to move to being a power-player in the battery market, and that means that we cannot rely on the goodwill of foreign countries to supply us. We have to fabricate for ourselves, “said Dr Kemm. ”We also don't only want to fabricate, we also want to ignite industrial initiatives powered by science, innovation, and a spirit of self-reliance. We plan to build a scalable South African-developed battery ecosystem, by South Africans for South Africa, but also for neighbors and any trading partners."
With Africa’s EV market size expected to exceed $21 billion by 2030 and the global market projected at $125 billion, and local policy frameworks like South Africa’s EV White Paper calling for green industrialisation, MIA’s initiative aligns with both national, continental and global priorities and opportunities. Desiree Ntshingila added: "We are in the early phases, but the momentum is real. By embedding energy systems design and manufacturing capacity locally, we’re building sovereign technology capabilities and contributing to long-term economic renewal. This project is an invitation for aligned investors and partners to co-create South Africa’s green industrial future. As leaders in market foresight and innovation, we’ve taken this bold step into the EVC manufacturing space to ensure South Africa is not left behind in the global shift to electric mobility. This is a catalyst project for green industrialisation, job creation, and economic inclusion.”
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