Automotive stakeholders from across West Africa convened in Lagos for the 2026 West Africa Automotive Show (WAAS) Conference, where industry leaders called for enhanced after-sales support systems to foster sustainable mobility throughout the region.
Chairman Highlights After-Sales Ecosystem
Luqman Mamudu, Chairman of the WAAS Conference 2026, stated during the opening session that the future of mobility in West Africa hinges on the robustness and efficiency of the automotive after-sales ecosystem. He emphasized that sustainable mobility cannot be realized without a functional after-sales framework that supports vehicles throughout their lifecycle.
Conference Theme and Focus Areas
The conference, themed “Strengthening Automotive After-Sales Support Ecosystems for Sustainable Mobility in West Africa,” concentrated on several key areas: improved vehicle maintenance infrastructure, skilled manpower development, genuine spare parts distribution, digital diagnostic systems, and reliable customer support networks.
Mamudu noted that the industry must move beyond merely selling vehicles to building systems that ensure safety, affordability, efficiency, and long-term vehicle performance. He described the conference as a platform for manufacturers, assemblers, dealers, regulators, financiers, technology providers, and service professionals to collaborate on addressing challenges affecting the region’s automotive support infrastructure.
Call for Partnerships and Innovation
The WAAS chairman urged participants to explore partnerships and innovative solutions in skills development, localization, electric mobility, supply chain efficiency, and industry standards. He commended partners, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and delegates for their dedication to advancing the automotive industry in West Africa.
Mamudu expressed optimism that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would help create a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient automotive ecosystem capable of meeting the region’s growing mobility demands. He reiterated that a strong after-sales support system is essential for achieving sustainable mobility and ensuring vehicle safety, affordability, and performance over the long term.
