DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 9, 2026/ -- Automechanika Dubai (https://apo-opa.co/3WxG5hU) will host AfriConnections on 12 November, a half-day programme bringing African and international aftermarket businesses together as new trade rules reshape the continent’s automotive sector. Under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), vehicles and components must now contain at least 40% African-originating content to qualify for preferential treatment, changing how businesses source, manufacture and distribute across Africa. The programme takes place during the 23rd edition of Automechanika Dubai, running from 10 to 12 November 2026 at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai.
The opportunity varies across the continent. South Africa and Morocco account for the majority of Africa’s vehicle production, according to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), while many other markets rely heavily on imported vehicles and components. African Union heads of state approved the automotive rules of origin in February 2026, according to the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM). Together with wider efforts to strengthen local manufacturing and regional trade, the rules are creating opportunities both to source components and materials from African producers and to develop distribution and production networks across the continent.
Claire Dawai, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of the Sub-Sahara Chamber of Trade, said: “Africa’s automotive aftermarket is moving towards a more structured and integrated ecosystem, creating a need for clearer regulatory frameworks and stronger links between regional markets and global centres of innovation. Aligning market requirements with international standards will be important in supporting investment, strengthening local value chains and building a more competitive industry.”
As the rules change, businesses are looking for reliable routes to trade across these markets and to reach international suppliers. Dubai provides an established link: Dubai Chambers reported that the emirate’s non-oil trade with Africa exceeded US$145.9 billion in 2025. According to the Kenya Motor Repairers Association (KEMRA), Africa’s market for replacement parts, repair services, diagnostics and tools is valued at over US$30 billion, with more than 50 million vehicles on the continent.
Mercy Mwaura, Chief Executive Officer of KEMRA, said: “Fragmented supply chains, high logistics costs and skills gaps continue to constrain the sector’s full potential. Closing those gaps will take international partnerships with global suppliers, technology and expertise, and AfriConnections is a practical place to start building them.”
AfriConnections is designed to address these challenges. The programme will explore Africa’s automotive growth outlook, AfCFTA and intra-African trade, UAE–Africa commercial corridors, sourcing and supply-chain strategies, and electrification and alternative-energy infrastructure.It takes place alongside a trade show that gives those conversations scale. More than 1,200 exhibitors from over 50 countries are expected this year, giving African buyers and distributors access in one place to international suppliers of parts, workshop equipment and automotive technologies.
Chris Lee, Portfolio Director, Mobility & Logistics, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Automechanika Dubai connects African buyers with international suppliers across parts, workshop equipment and emerging automotive technologies. Dubai’s position as a global trade and logistics hub makes it a natural meeting point for these businesses, while AfriConnections gives them a focused opportunity to explore new markets, build partnerships and turn commercial interest into business.”
For more information, click here (https://apo-opa.co/3WzZf6M).