ASPMDA President, Hon. Ngozi Emechebe,delivering his lecture/presentation at the 2026 West Africa Automotive Show (WAAS), Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos on May 13, 2026. Photos: Business Hilights
Executive President of the largest motor parts shopping plaza in West Africa, the Auto Spare Parts & Machinery Dealers Association (ASPMDA), Lagos International Trade Fair complex, Hon. Ngozi Emechebe has revealed that the emergence of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has revolutionized the old ways of business communications for good.
In his lead paper at the ongoing West Africa Automotive Show (WAAS) 2026 at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos titled: From Informal Markets To Digital Ecosystem: The Evolution Of Automotive Trade In West Africa, he said “Now, across all the auto market in West Africa, we are witnessing an emerging shift that is powered by rapid urban mobility, increased internet penetration, social media access and the need for supply chain flexibility, transparency and ease.
“From all indications, these listed factors in the industry are transitioning the initially not well-structured business system to digital ecosystem where one can manage his shop from anywhere with ease.
“Otherwise, auto spare parts business is now moving away from “physical-only” informal trading toward integrated digital ecosystems.
On how ICT is catalyzing change in auto parts trading, Emechebe said “From my experience and industry research, three main factors are driving the growing evolution into the digital realm. They include the following:
Growing Mobile Connectivity: With over 45% of West Africans now having access to mobile internet, the “market” is no longer just a location; it’s an app in their pocket.
The Rise of Logistics Tech: Startups are solving the “last-mile” delivery problem, making it possible to order a crankshaft from a hub and have it delivered to a roadside mechanic in hours.
Consumer Demand for Trust: A new generation of vehicle owners’ demands traceability and quality assurance that traditional informal markets struggle to provide.
Looking at the digital ecosystem and rise in e-Commerce, ASPMDA President averred that “the “Digital Ecosystem” isn’t just about selling parts online; it’s about a connected value chain that is powering automotive growth.
“Now, West Africa is experiencing the emergence of platforms that integrate Inventory Digitization with Real-time tracking of stock across multiple warehouses and small retail shops.
“There is also Data-Driven Sourcing, which powers the effective use of AI to predict which parts are most in demand based on regional vehicle registration data.
“Seamless Finance Access is another factor which help shop owners and manufacturers by allowing them to stock up on inventory without upfront capital—a major pain point in the informal sector.
“Currently, technology is providing Technical Education via digital platforms for traders and even mechanics with video tutorials and diagnostic data, bridging the gap between old-school repairs and modern vehicle electronics.
In conclusion, ASPMDA President argued that “Yes, today, nobody writes long letter of order, rather everyone sends SMS, emails, WhatsApp calls, message both audio and video to make orders and receive answers with speed of light.
“Nobody goes to NITEL again to que or sleep over the night in NITEL Office Marina, because of time difference in order to make calls or send telex. Internet technology has erased that with better and seamless business processing Apps and social media platforms.
“No doubt, digital technology has aided automotive industry and still doing more.
The future of West African automotive trade is no longer just on the dusty streets of our famous markets—it is in the cloud, on our phones, our palms and in the seamless usage of data in trading auto spare parts across borders in the West Africa sub-region and Africa by extension”.
Business Hilights.ng reports that the end of his presentation was marked with endless hailing and appreciations from participants including the event organizers, traders, foreign exhibitors and general public who described his presentation as well researched very revealing.
