EQUIP AUTO Côte d’Ivoire is set to open its doors in November 2026, aiming to boost regional trade and expand West Africa’s automotive sector. The inaugural event will connect Anglophone and Francophone markets, creating a platform for investment, technology transfer, and cross-border partnerships. Scheduled for November 26–28 at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre, the show expects over 150 exhibitors from Europe, Asia, and Africa, alongside policymakers and manufacturers from more than 10 nations.
Expanding the Regional Network
Luc Azilinon, president of Interlinks Auto and MIWA AFRICA SARL, described the exhibition as a collaboration between EQUIP AUTO Paris and MIWA AFRICA SARL. He said the event will feature thematic workshops, conferences, and B2B2C meetings, drawing about 10,000 professionals and the general public. The program covers passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles, industrial vehicles, transport, and the aftermarket.
Exhibitors are expected from major automotive markets including Germany, France, Turkiye, Italy, Algeria, Nigeria, Cameroon, India, China, South Korea, and Japan. Azilinon stated the ambition is to position the show as the leading platform for business development in West Africa. The event aims to establish the region as a strategic hub for mobility and the automotive industry across the continent.
Kaslime Kouassi, director of tourism for Côte d’Ivoire, represented the country’s ambassador to Nigeria, Kalilou Traore, during the press briefing. Kouassi noted Nigeria’s significant role in the region’s automotive sector. He encouraged Nigerian manufacturers, distributors, and spare parts dealers to use the platform to expand their cross-border operations.
Related: Nigeria’s oldest bank takes top spot
High costs push Nigeria’s car imports to $1.03m in 2025. Nigeria’s $5bn spare parts market opens opportunity for investors. French car manufacturers eye partnerships with Dangote to expand vehicle production in the country.
Kouassi argued that stronger collaboration between the two countries would stimulate the broader market. He said closer ties encourage investment and create new commercial opportunities for businesses across the continent. The director emphasized that the exhibition offers a chance for stakeholders to modernize infrastructure and distribution networks.
Meeting West African Needs
According to the organizers, the event will provide privileged access to innovations and technologies tailored to local realities. Azilinon explained that the BtoBtoC format creates a structuring meeting point for mobility in West Africa. The show intends to facilitate the local establishment of international players by easing their entry into West African markets.
While the primary focus is on business development and infrastructure, the logistics of hosting such a large-scale event present a challenge. Coordinating thousands of visitors and international exhibitors across multiple vehicle segments requires precise planning. The organizers must ensure that the facilities at the Abidjan Exhibition Centre can handle the expected volume of traffic and equipment without significant delays.