The development of Africa's automotive sector is tied to the evolution of local and accessible finance solutions that support an environment for new car sales. Many markets have traditionally been financed out of Europe, but the time has come for locally structured and relevant finance and insurance solutions that entrench the structural requirements for a growing motor sector.It is a virtuous circle in which supply will meet demand, and this in itself will trigger the downstream economic and social benefits demanded from a robust automotive market.The African automotive market cannot be left to manufacturers alone to grow this sector further - a partnership with the banking sector, financial services and the government needs to be forged.Such an approach will enable a policy environment that supports the growth the sector needs to be sustainable, will enable downstream access of financial services products, and will support tertiary mobility solutions that drive an economy that is literally on the move.The potential that Africa represents to the global automotive sector is evident, with the continent projected to see sales of two million new cars last year.story_article_left1A more mobile population triggers greater benefits in areas such as goods and labour market efficiency, resulting in the strengthening effect of capital investment in supporting infrastructure. But for this to be realised, governments need to relook at efforts to address fiscal arrangements, taxes and duties if they are to reap value from this sector.This points to the need for significant partnerships between the automotive sector and other role-players in the industry. Practical steps in this direction are likely to create a leapfrog effect for Africa's automotive sector, and meaningfully boost competitiveness and job creation.Additional opportunities to leapfrog global trends include how motor manufacturers can create a physical bricks-and-mortar presence in key African markets.This requires a hub-and-spoke operating model that effectively combines manufacturing, assembly and import capabilities with either physical, virtual or digital on-the-ground sales and after-sales support.This "for Africa, by Africa" approach is more efficient, drives better supply chain functionality and positions the broader multibillion-dollar African automotive market as open for business. The planned production of the next-generation BMW X3 at Plant Rosslyn in Pretoria is just such a case in point.In South Africa, this will require the government to reconsider what it is doing to enable "hub status" for the country's already mature motoring sector. This will mean a serious rethink in terms of what is being done to unlock the contributions made by organisations such as Transnet and the broader port system in positioning the country as competitively able to support vehicle consumption, parts supply and distribution at a pan-African level.This is crucial as in 2015, South Africa exported a record 333,802 vehicles, and the total value of exported vehicles and parts increased by nearly 31% to R151.5-billion. With a broader port system, this number can increase significantly.As we accelerate efforts to build a meaningful automotive market in Africa over the next five to 10 years, we need to focus on cementing partnerships that will unlock real value.BMW Group South Africa is ready for this transition and ready to work with the government to ensure that South Africa is geared to deliver results as a primary automotive market on the continent.The opportunity is clear for an African automotive sector. Our efforts now should be on a policy environment that enables this and basic services such as finance and insurance to drive this forward.Abbott is CEO of BMW Group South Africa, Sub-Sahara..