Elon Musk has expressed a desire to import Tesla vehicles into South Africa, signaling potential expansion into his country of birth. This development emerged during discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa, as both parties explore avenues to facilitate Tesla’s entry into the South African market.
Musk’s interest coincides with broader negotiations involving Tesla and Starlink, his satellite internet venture. South African officials are reportedly considering offering favorable import tariffs for Tesla in exchange for investments in electric vehicle infrastructure, such as charging stations. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding potential adjustments to Black Economic Empowerment regulations to accommodate Starlink’s operations.   
Historically, Musk has cited South Africa’s high import duties on electric vehicles as a barrier to Tesla’s market entry. In a 2024 statement, he noted that the country’s 25% import tax on electric vehicles, compared to 18% for internal combustion engine vehicles, made it economically unfeasible for Tesla to operate there.
The ongoing discussions between Musk and South African officials reflect a mutual interest in overcoming these challenges. Should these negotiations prove successful, they could pave the way for Tesla’s introduction to the South African market, marking a significant milestone in the country’s adoption of electric vehicles.
