Message From the Chairman - November

The automotive industry sector is going through a renewed transition in West Africa with additional activities in West Africa region. Nigeria has had a long and checkered sector development beginning with the import substitution policy in the early 70s till mid 80s when six automotive manufacturing plants and over 30 components parts established.

Changes in policy positioning in subsequent years undermined all the gains but by 2014, the government launched a 10- year  automotive program to revive the sector and grow additional investment. Ghana has led a few other countries in the region to follow suit a few years later so that there is now a momentum further facilitated by the foundation of Africa Continental free trade area ( Afcfta) in 2018.

Within this context, development strategy is now refocusing on development of regional value chain with emphasis on automotive components parts manufacturing.

I look forward to welcoming you onsite at the West Africa Automotive Show 2025 next May. 

Luqman Mamudu 
Automotive Industry Expert and WAAS Conference Chairman