Nigeria’s automotive industry is set to gain a new platform for regional business opportunities as EQUIP AUTO Côte d’Ivoire 2026 makes its debut in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The organisers said the inaugural event is positioned as a major meeting point for West Africa’s automotive and mobility sectors.

The inaugural exhibition, scheduled for November 26 through 28, 2026, is expected to bring together 150 exhibitors and brands with about 10,000 visitors across 7,000 square metres of exhibition space.

The organisers, in a statement earlier in the week, said the event would offer an avenue for automotive manufacturers, parts suppliers, distributors, workshop operators, fleet managers and mobility businesses to connect with companies and potential partners across the West African market.

According to the company, the event was conceived from the outset as an Ivorian, sub-regional and international platform, reflecting the growing importance of West Africa as an automotive and mobility market.

The statement added: “With a potential consumer market of more than 450 million people across ECOWAS, Abidjan is being positioned as a strategic gateway linking regional businesses with international manufacturers, equipment suppliers, distributors and solution providers.

“Nigeria is among the markets targeted by the organisers’ regional outreach campaign, alongside Ghana, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Benin.”

The company stated that the development was significant for Nigeria, as the country continues to seek greater integration of its automotive industry with regional markets while improving vehicle manufacturing, distribution, after-sales services, and the supply of quality components.

EQUIP AUTO Côte d’Ivoire would cover virtually the entire automotive value chain, including passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles, spare parts, tyres, lubricants, workshop equipment, diagnostics and tools.

Other areas include body repair, vehicle inspection, distribution and repair networks, digital solutions, energy and charging infrastructure, used vehicles, remanufacturing and recycling, as well as financing, insurance and infrastructure.

International and regional companies that have confirmed participation, according to the company, include Bosch, Bardahl, CFAO-Winpart, Varta, Facom, Gates, KYB, Mecafilter, Nexus International, Purflux, Quipux Afrique, Stanley Black & Decker, UFI Filters and Valeo.