EQUIP AUTO Targets Sub-Saharan Market with Strategic Expansion into Côte d’Ivoire

PARIS — In a significant move to capitalize on the burgeoning automotive sector in West Africa, EQUIP’AUTO SAS has announced the launch of a new international trade show, EQUIP AUTO Côte d’Ivoire. The inaugural event is scheduled to take place at the Abidjan Exhibition Center from November 26 to 28, 2026.

This expansion marks a strategic pivot for the organization, best known for its flagship Paris event. By establishing a foothold in Abidjan, EQUIP AUTO aims to position itself as a central regional platform supporting the rapid development of the African automotive, mobility, and transport markets.

A Strategic Partnership for Regional Expertise

To facilitate this deployment into Sub-Saharan Africa, EQUIP’AUTO SAS has entered a partnership with Luc Azilinon, CEO of Interlinks Auto. Azilinon brings over 25 years of experience in automotive after-sales, offering specialized knowledge in spare parts distribution, repair network management, and the specific economic realities of African markets.

Philippe Baudin, President of the EQUIP AUTO trade show, highlighted the economic implications of the venture. “Our ambition is to offer Abidjan an international event capable of bringing together all players in the automotive, transport, infrastructure, and new mobility sectors, in the service of economic development of Côte and West African countries,” Baudin said.

A Unique “BtoBtoC” Format

Recognizing the distinct needs of the region, the Abidjan edition will differ significantly from its Parisian counterpart. Organizers are adopting a “BtoBtoC” format, designed to engage not only professionals and institutional players but also the general public.

The show will encompass a wide spectrum of sectors to address the specific challenges of the African market. Beyond standard passenger vehicles, the exhibition will cover heavy goods vehicles, agricultural machinery, transport and logistics, and public works infrastructure. This multi-sector approach aims to create a comprehensive forum for dialogue on issues ranging from road modernization to the demand for maintenance equipment and services.

Structuring a Growing Market

The launch comes at a time when African mobility markets are experiencing sustained growth, driven by increasing vehicle volumes and a pressing need for modernized infrastructure.

Luc Azilinon – President of Interlinks Auto
About EQUIP’AUTO SAS

“This partnership creates the conditions for the emergence of a key international event in Abidjan, capable of bringing together key players in the sector to address issues of modernization, infrastructure, and new forms of mobility,” stated Luc Azilinon, President of Interlinks Auto. He noted that Interlinks Auto is committed to making the event a “sustainable lever for the transformation and development of mobility” in the region.

By the Numbers

The organizers have set ambitious targets for the 2026 premiere. The event is expected to host nearly 150 exhibitors and brands, ranging from international manufacturers to regional distributors and repair networks. On the attendance side, the show aims to attract approximately 10,000 visitors, a demographic that will include fleet managers, transport companies, agricultural cooperatives, and road infrastructure managers.

A Pan-African Strategy

This initiative complements EQUIP AUTO’s existing footprint in North Africa, specifically EQUIP AUTO Algeria, which is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in March 2026. By securing a presence in both North and Sub-Saharan Africa, the brand is solidifying its strategy to become an essential hub for automotive business across the continent.