Simba Corp Invests KSh 1 Billion in Mombasa EV Assembly Plant

Simba Corporation announced on June 10-11, 2026 that it is committing KSh 1 billion to a dedicated electric vehicle assembly line at its subsidiary Associated Vehicle Assemblers' Mombasa plant, marking one of the largest privately funded EV manufacturing investments in East Africa. The entire outlay is funded from Simba's internal resources without external debt.

The Investment: Scale, Scope and Strategic Rationale

The KSh 1 billion outlay covers specialised EV assembly equipment and precision tooling, factory-floor modifications to accommodate high-voltage battery management systems, and the certification training of 60 technicians stationed full-time on the dedicated EV production floor. The new line is engineered to handle multiple brands: Dongfeng electric passenger vehicles will be the first commercial passenger product assembled, followed by MG (Morris Garages) models. Existing BasiGo and Rideence Africa assembly contracts will continue operating alongside the new commercial passenger lines. AVA's Mombasa plant's proximity to the Port of Mombasa provides a structural cost advantage in reducing import logistics expenses.

What Comes Next

AVA and Simba Corporation are expected to announce formal production timelines and initial volume targets for the Dongfeng and MG lines in the second half of 2026.