WAAS 2024: Stakeholders Convene to Boost Growth in Automotive Industry

West Africa Automotive Show (WAAS) Exhibition and Conference is to meet in Lagos next month to discuss opportunities for manufacturing of automotive parts using frameworks within Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Expected are over 250 exhibitors from UAE, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Poland, Egypt, Pakistan, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Brazil and others.

More than 4,500 visitors will examine supply chain extensions, manufacturing opportunities, including reverse engineering and 3D printing, as well as economics of automotive and parts manufacturing.
The organisers said the conference will afford global equipment manufacturers, automotive business owners and others opportunity to leverage conversation on home governments agenda as it aligns with ECOWAS and AfCFTA on intra-Africa trade.
Former Director at National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and Principal Partner at Transtech, Luqman Mamudu, who will chair the event, said it would enable stakeholders reboot the debate on investment opportunities.

He said: “A better understanding of the rules of origin protocols will enable stakeholders to reposition for the investment opportunities being or are about to be unleashed.

“WAAS 2023 inaugural conference identified the content of Nigeria’s automotive components and parts sector. The choice of Nigeria as a reference for West Africa was informed by the fact that Nigeria’s 15 million registered vehicles account for over 75 per cent of the region’s vehicle population.’’

“This year’s Conference programme will highlight potential investment opportunities in components and parts manufacturing in the region. “Discussions will include manufacturing collaboration among member countries and components manufacturers leveraged on comparative advantage, a win-win development model for everyone.

“The presentations should also inform government decisions on critical fiscal policy intervention for the desired benefit of economic diversification, massive employment and an increase in GDP.

“ Among the highlights will be a huge representation from China with their pavilion, while the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) is hosting the Indian pavilion