AfCFTA Drives Borderless Trade for Africa’s $30bn Automotive Aftermarket

At Automechanika Dubai 2025, the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), H.E. Wamkele Mene, presented a bold vision for creating a borderless, integrated automotive aftermarket across Africa. He emphasised that harmonising standards, modernising customs and logistics, and adopting digital trade tools will help unlock the continent’s vast aftermarket potential, which is valued at over US$30 billion and driven by a growing vehicle fleet across African markets.

AfCFTA’s strategy includes common technical regulations, digital certificates of origin, and simplified transit systems. These measures aim to reduce trade barriers, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and make cross-border automotive parts distribution more efficient and competitive.

The Automechanika Dubai event also featured AfriConnections, a dedicated initiative connecting African buyers with global suppliers, highlighting the role of international platforms in facilitating trade ties and business opportunities. 

Why This Matters for West Africa Automotive Show

The AfCFTA’s vision aligns strongly with the goals of the West Africa Automotive Show to accelerate regional automotive growth. By advocating for seamless cross-border trade, improved logistics, and unified standards, it reinforces the importance of platforms like WAAS as vital meeting points for manufacturers, distributors, parts suppliers, and service providers seeking to scale in West Africa.

For more information regarding the West African Automotive market, Click Here. 

To view the floorplan or speak to a member of the sales team, Click Here.

Source: Zawya, December 2025