From May 13th to 15th, the Landmark Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, became the epicentre of West Africa’s automotive industry as the West Africa Automotive Show (WAAS) returned for its most exciting edition yet.
WAAS is recognised as the region’s largest professional trade exhibition and conference for the automotive sector. This year’s show brought together 260+ local and international exhibitors, drawing 5,000+ industry professionals from across the globe. From spare parts to fully built cars, oils, tools, and tech, the event was a dynamic mix of innovation, business, and community. And of course, 234 Drive was in attendance!
From the moment we stepped onto the exhibition floor, it was clear: this wasn’t just a trade show, it was a full-on ecosystem. Manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, and auto enthusiasts filled the space, showcasing their products, forming meaningful connections and exploring what’s next for the region’s automotive future.
We got up close and personal with a range of brands. Mikano brought serious heat with the CS55, CS15, UNI-K, and the electric Deepal SO7. BYD and CFAO Mobility all had strong showings as well. We spoke with guests and exhibitors, and the feedback was the same: WAAS 2025 raised the bar, with many describing it as a major step up from previous years.
Among the many highlights was our chat with Georgina Lloyd, the exhibition manager of the West African Automotive Show. She shared insights on what goes into organising a show of this scale and hinted at what’s to come: WAAS 2026 will introduce a dedicated auto section, giving the car showcase even more real estate and spotlight. “The show has been growing bigger every year, and last year we actually got an award for the best automotive show in Africa, so that was big for us,” she said. “It was fabulous to receive that recognition in just five years.”
We also spoke with Eric Fantodji, General Manager of Winpart, one of the many exhibitors at the event. “Motul oil is one of the brands we are distributing — we also distribute Kavo, Denso, Bosch… in terms of quality, you can’t find better than these brands in the market,” he said. “So, we are here to find distributors that can take these brands across Nigeria.” His comments underscore the serious business potential WAAS continues to unlock for players across the value chain.
Beyond the business and the product reveals, WAAS 2025 had heart. We met supporters of 234 Drive, people who follow our work, engage with our content, and believe in the community we’re building. Those little moments mean the world to us. They remind us why we do this in the first place.
After five years of consistent growth, WAAS has proven to be more than just an exhibition — it’s now a must-attend moment on the calendar for anyone serious about contributing to the automotive space in West Africa.
This year was bigger and better, and we’re proud to have experienced it firsthand. We had a great time at WAAS 2025. See you in 2026!
