Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire are deepening their collaboration to accelerate the growth of Africa’s automotive aftermarket, with industry leaders identifying regional integration, skills development, and improved access to genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts as critical priorities for expanding business opportunities across the continent.
The renewed partnership was underscored at a media roundtable in Lagos ahead of the inaugural EQUIP AUTO Côte d’Ivoire 2026—an international automotive exhibition scheduled to take place in Abidjan this November. The event is expected to serve as a bridge connecting African automotive businesses with global manufacturers, technology providers, and investors, while promoting West Africa as a unified automotive market.
Nigeria’s Strategic Role
Speaking at the roundtable, Luc Azilinon, President of Interlinks Auto and one of the exhibition organizers, emphasized Nigeria’s pivotal position in the regional automotive landscape. With Nigeria accounting for roughly half of the West African automotive market, the country will play a strategic role in linking Anglophone and Francophone markets to strengthen regional automotive value chains.
Azilinon noted that fragmented markets continue to undermine Africa’s ability to attract global investment and expand local manufacturing.
“Our ambition is to connect the global automotive industry with Africa’s growing markets. Nigeria is not coming as a visitor but as a key stakeholder because of its leadership in the region’s automotive industry,” Azilinon said.
Beyond Vehicles and Spare Parts
Azilinon explained that the exhibition will go beyond showcasing vehicles and spare parts by providing a platform for critical discussions on infrastructure, electric mobility, automotive digitalization, counterfeit spare parts, skills development, and opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
More than 20 automotive experts from around the world are expected to join African policymakers and industry leaders to explore strategies for strengthening the continent’s automotive ecosystem.
Business-to-Business Opportunities
The exhibition will also facilitate business-to-business engagements between African companies and international manufacturers, giving local businesses greater access to genuine OEM components, modern repair technologies, and global supply chains.
Plans for a Pan-African Training Academy
Azilinon disclosed that plans are underway to establish a Pan-African automotive training academy, with Nigeria among the countries expected to host training centers for spare parts dealers, technicians, and workshop operators.
