Customs officials visit the enterprise to provide export-related services. [Photo/Tide News]

Cixi, a county-level city of Ningbo, is seeing strong growth in exports to Africa, driven by rising demand for energy storage lithium batteries and three-wheeled motorcycles.

According to Cixi Customs, the city's exports to Africa totaled 3.43 billion yuan ($508.49 million) in the first half of 2026, up 23.1 percent year-on-year. Among the fastest-growing products were energy storage batteries and three-wheeled motorcycles.

Ningbo Deye ESS International Trade, an AEO-certified company, exported 400 million yuan worth of energy storage products to Africa during the period, an increase of 83.9 percent. To meet local demand for reliable power amid electricity shortages and unstable voltage, the company has developed larger-capacity systems and optimized battery performance for Africa's climate and operating conditions. Exports to Nigeria alone reached 210 million yuan, surging 160 percent.

Meanwhile, Ningbo Longjia Power Technology has found a niche for three-wheeled motorcycles, which are well suited to passenger transport and agricultural logistics on challenging roads. The company has adopted a model in which key components are shipped from Cixi for local assembly.

With tailored products, flexible cooperation, and streamlined customs clearance through AEO mutual recognition, Cixi companies are expanding their presence in the African market. Longjia's local-assembly model is also supporting local manufacturing and employment.