In a groundbreaking achievement for African manufacturing, Yannick Laurent Bado, a visionary entrepreneur from Burkina Faso, launched the continent’s first tire brand entirely produced within Africa.
His ambition to create a 100% African-made tire brand stemmed from his frustration with the continent’s heavy reliance on imported goods, particularly tires.
For years, African countries have been dependent on foreign imports for everything from food to technology.
However, the automotive industry has been one of the sectors where local production has lagged, despite the demand for durable tires across the continent.
“It became clear to me that Africa needed its own manufacturing capability for something as essential as tires. Our roads are unique, and we understand the climate and terrain better than anyone,” Bado said.
Having been born and raised in Burkina Faso, Bado was acutely aware of the economic challenges faced by many African nations.
His idea was to establish a tire manufacturing plant that would cater to both local and regional markets, filling a gap in the market for high-quality, affordable, and durable tires designed specifically for African roads.
With the backing of a small but dedicated team, Bado worked relentlessly to turn this idea into reality.
Notably, creating a 100% African-made tire brand was no easy task.
The path was riddled with challenges ranging from financial constraints, limited infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled labor to stiff competition from established international brands.
Nonetheless, Bado remained undeterred, driven by his belief in Africa’s potential to lead in manufacturing.
“I knew that if we were going to succeed, we had to build everything from the ground up,” Bado explained. “It wasn’t just about the tires—it was about creating a robust manufacturing ecosystem. We had to source raw materials locally, establish partnerships with suppliers, and train a workforce.”
Finding raw materials for tire production was perhaps the most difficult part of the process. Tires require rubber, steel, and chemicals—materials that are not readily available in Burkina Faso.
However, Bado’s business acumen and resourcefulness came to the forefront as he forged partnerships with local suppliers and farmers, securing high-quality natural rubber.
He also collaborated with research institutions to develop sustainable chemical alternatives suited to the local climate, which helped reduce the environmental impact of production.
But the true key to his success lay in his ability to inspire and recruit a skilled workforce.
Bado spearheaded educational initiatives, partnering with local universities and technical schools to train the next generation of tire manufacturing specialists.
His factory employs hundreds of workers, with a strong emphasis on training and upskilling employees, ensuring that they not only contribute to the success of JEPEB Tires but also gain valuable skills for their future careers.
In August 2024, Bado unveiled JEPEB Tires, marking a significant milestone in African manufacturing.
The brand offers a range of tires designed specifically for African roads, with a focus on durability, affordability, and performance.
JEPEB Tires are now available in various sizes to cater to different vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and buses
The launch event was attended by government officials, industry leaders, and members of the local community, all expressing their support and admiration for Bado’s achievement.
