Algiers is set to become the epicentre of Africa’s automotive industry as it hosts the Africa Automotive Show, a flagship event at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025. From September 4 to 10, 2025, the Democratic People’s Republic of Algeria will welcome industry leaders, innovators and policymakers to what promises to be a transformative gathering for the continent’s automotive sector.
Organised by Afreximbank, the African Union, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the event builds on the momentum of IATF 2023 in Cairo, where trade deals worth a staggering $43,8-billion were sealed, attracting more than 28 000 visitors and 1 939 exhibitors.
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The Africa Automotive Show is more than just an exhibition; it’s a strategic platform designed to accelerate the growth of Africa’s automotive industry. With intra-African trade currently accounting for just 14% of the continent’s global trade, the event aims to boost collaboration, innovation and investment in a sector that is increasingly seen as a cornerstone of Africa’s economic future.
Africa’s automotive potential is no longer a distant dream but a tangible reality. The continent is fast becoming a hub for both local and international players, with the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) leading the charge.
Victoria Backhaus-Jerling, AAAM’s newly appointed CEO, describes the moment as pivotal: “Our goal is to elevate the African market demand to between three and five million units by 2035,” she says. “This is a significant leap from where we are today, but it’s achievable with the right collaboration and investment.”
Victoria Backhaus-Jerling
The Africa Automotive Show will feature a two-day forum alongside a dedicated exhibition, creating a space for dialogue, partnership and progress. The event will bring together stakeholders from across the automotive value chain, including raw material suppliers, manufacturers, dealers and financial partners. It will also serve as a platform to showcase Africa’s achievements in the sector while laying the groundwork for future growth.
The 2023 edition of IATF in Cairo set a high bar, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the potential of intra-African trade. The Africa Automotive Show at IATF 2025 aims to build on this success, with a particular focus on advancing the continental automotive strategy approved by AfCFTA member states earlier this year.
This strategy, developed with input from AAAM, Afreximbank, and the AfCFTA Secretariat, aims to strengthen regional supply chains, boost local manufacturing, and promote African-made solutions.
One of the key challenges facing the industry is the dominance of used vehicle imports, which currently account for a significant portion of Africa’s automotive market.
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Backhaus-Jerling emphasises the need for a phased approach to reducing these imports. “The volume of used vehicles dilutes the opportunity for local manufacturing and after-sales services,” she explains. “By investing in local production, we can create jobs, empower communities, and build a resilient intra-African supply chain.”
As the host nation, Algeria is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of Africa’s automotive industry. The country has recently implemented policy reforms to attract investment and boost local manufacturing. Major assembly plants, such as those operated by Stellantis, have already been established, signalling Algeria’s commitment to driving industrialisation and inspiring similar developments across the continent.
Algeria’s strategic location and growing infrastructure make it an ideal host for the Africa Automotive Show. The event will not only showcase the country’s progress but also highlight its potential as a key player in Africa’s automotive ecosystem.
The Africa Automotive Show is more than just a trade event; it’s a gateway to an integrated African market of some 1,3-billion people and a combined GDP exceeding $3,5-trillion. Enabled by the AfCFTA, this market represents a wealth of opportunities for industry players, from raw material suppliers and manufacturers to dealers and aftermarket providers.
Andrew Binning, Director of the Africa Automotive Show, describes the event as the ultimate platform for industry stakeholders. “Our vision is to unite players from every corner of Africa and beyond,” he says. “This is where the future of Africa’s automotive industry will be shaped.”
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The Africa Automotive Show will feature a diverse range of exhibitors, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), national assemblers and value chain partners. The accompanying Automotive Forum will bring together thought leaders, global partners, and heads of state to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
By fostering collaboration, innovation, and investment, the show has the potential to transform the continent’s automotive landscape, creating jobs, boosting economies, and improving mobility for millions of people.
In the words of Victoria Backhaus-Jerling: “This is more than an event; it’s a catalyst for change. Together, we can build an automotive industry that reflects Africa’s resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.”
This article first appeared on CHANGECARS
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