The 2025 West Africa Automotive Show (WAAS) has cemented its place as Africa’s leading automotive trade fair, attracting record numbers of exhibitors and buyers and signalling rising business prospects in the region’s $10 billion vehicle parts market.
Held at the Landmark Centre in Lagos from May 13–15, the event spanned four exhibition halls and three outdoor vehicle displays. Organisers said more than 5,372 trade visitors and 307 exhibitors from over 20 countries took part, with 94% of exhibitors rating visitor quality as “very high” and over 83% rebooking for 2026 onsite.
Nigeria, the continent’s largest market for used cars, spends more than $10 billion a year importing vehicle parts. With 60% of cars on its roads over 10 years old, demand for spare parts remains strong. “WAAS delivers every year,” said Ohis Ileogben of C Woermann & Mann Hummel. “It is the only exhibition we attend in Africa because it brings the right buyers.”
Industry players from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Americas showcased products ranging from tyres and lubricants to batteries and assembly machinery. Hosted VIPs included over 220 key decision-makers, with 95% of visitors reporting they found new suppliers.
Amit Kumar Gupta of India’s Hartex Rubber said partnerships with Nigerian markets were “a major advantage”, while Brazil’s Suporte Rei reported “high-quality leads” from multiple West African countries.
The WAAS Conference, chaired by former NADDC strategy director Luqman Mamudu, focused on localising automotive parts production and aligning manufacturing with renewable energy goals.
The next edition will run from May 12–14, 2026, with an expanded fifth hall dedicated to the WAAS Auto Area.
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