ROTIMI ASHER
The stage is set for a major shake-up of West Africa’s automotive and mobility landscape as EQUIP AUTO Côte d’Ivoire 2026 prepares to make its historic debut in Sub-Saharan Africa.
This was disclosed during a recent Zoom press conference held from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where organizers unveiled details of the three-day automotive exhibition scheduled for November 26–28, 2026, at the Parc des Expositions d’Abidjan.
According to the organisers, the maiden edition is expected to attract 150 exhibitors and brands, 10,000 visitors and occupy 7,000 square metres of exhibition space, making it one of the most ambitious automotive industry gatherings in the region.
EQUIP AUTO, which has spent 50 years building its reputation within the global automotive industry, is now taking its expansion into Africa to a new level with the launch of the Côte d’Ivoire edition.
But the organisers made it clear during the press briefing that the event is not designed merely as a Côte d’Ivoire affair. It is being positioned as a regional platform capable of connecting West Africa’s rapidly expanding automotive market with manufacturers, equipment suppliers, distributors, technology providers and investors from around the world.
With a potential consumer market of more than 450 million people across ECOWAS, Abidjan is expected to serve as a strategic gateway for international companies seeking opportunities in West Africa.
The organisers disclosed that their promotional campaign has already reached Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Benin, reflecting the sub-regional ambition of the event.
EQUIP AUTO Côte d’Ivoire will bring together virtually every segment of the automotive value chain, including passenger and commercial vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, spare parts, tyres, lubricants, workshop equipment, diagnostics, body repair, vehicle inspection, digital solutions, electric mobility and charging infrastructure.
The event will also embrace used vehicles, remanufacturing, recycling, financing and insurance, as well as agricultural machinery, construction equipment and transport.
Several major international and regional brands have already confirmed participation, including Bosch, Bardahl, CFAO-Winpart, Varta, Facom, Gates, KYB, Mecafilter, Nexus International, Stanley Black & Decker, UFI Filters and Valeo.
Organisers stressed that EQUIP AUTO Côte d’Ivoire will go beyond the traditional trade-show format. The programme will combine exhibitions with B2B meetings, conferences, training, demonstrations and dynamic test drives.
Among the attractions is the Experience Village, where visitors will experience demonstrations and tests involving passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, agricultural machinery and construction equipment.
The conference programme will focus on critical issues confronting the region, including vehicle fleet modernisation, road safety, electric mobility, new energy sources, end-of-life vehicles, transport modernisation, industrial development, counterfeiting and consumer protection, as well as opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Another major highlight will be the EQUIP AUTO Africa Awards, designed to recognise companies and initiatives contributing to innovation and the development of Africa’s automotive and mobility sectors.
The winners will be honoured during a gala evening in Abidjan on November 27.
For West Africa’s automotive industry, therefore, the November event promises to be more than another exhibition. It could become a powerful meeting point for business, technology, skills, investment and partnerships, linking the region’s growing automotive market with the wider global industry.
As the organisers put it, the ambition is to bring the automotive and mobility industry in West Africa to life, train and connect its stakeholders, and showcase African initiatives.
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