The Economic Community of West African States has renewed its commitment to transforming West Africa into a competitive automotive manufacturing hub, with regional leaders and industry stakeholders calling for stronger policy implementation, regulatory harmonisation and increased investment to unlock the sector’s potential.
According to the statement distributed by APO Group on behalf of the commission, the renewed commitment came at the ECOWAS Regional Automotive Industry Development Forum, held in Abuja from August 4 to 6, where policymakers, manufacturers, development partners and financial institutions reviewed progress under the ECOWAS regional automotive policy framework and mapped out strategies to accelerate its implementation.
Although the regional policy framework was adopted more than a decade ago, ECOWAS said implementation has remained uneven across member states.
According to the Commission, West Africa currently has seven vehicle assembly plants operating at the Semi-Knocked Down level, with a combined installed production capacity of more than 100,000 vehicles annually.
Speaking at the opening of the forum, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dr. Kalilou Sylla, said the automotive industry has the potential to drive industrialisation beyond vehicle assembly by stimulating component manufacturing, strengthening regional value chains, promoting innovation and creating skilled employment opportunities. Related News Real reasons Tinubu expanded Army divisions – Military sources PANDEF hails Tinubu over 15-year gas deal RMAFC orders NUPRC to dissolve disputed host community trust
