ALGIERS - The 19th Equip Auto Algeria exhibition, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, is highlighting a notable rise in national participation, both in terms of quality and quantity, with 40 Algerian manufacturers specializing in spare parts and maintenance.
Running from 30 March to 2 April, this year’s edition underscores the growing strength of local maintenance within Algeria’s automotive sector, alongside a record turnout of more than 500 brands from 11 countries.
The exhibition's director, Nabil Bey Boumezrag, described this edition as "the most important since the creation of the event," stressing the growing interest of international brands seeking reliable partners to launch production projects in Algeria, and a strong influx of visitors from Europe, India, Turkiye and China.
Considered the largest African trade show dedicated to spare parts, the event reflects a "real takeoff" of local production and an increasingly technical positioning of the sector, marked by the emergence of first-tier suppliers, Boumezrag added.
Hervé Daigueperce, editor-in-chief of "Algérie Rechange" magazine and partner of the event, emphasized a "true revolution" in the sector, driven by technology transfers, easier access to inputs, professionalization, standardized certifications and the development of national know-how.
He also highlighted the first signs of a revival in Algeria’s automotive industry.
Salim Ramdani, director-general of Stellantis Algeria, emphasized "a dynamic in clear progress," focused on creating a sustainable industrial ecosystem built on local subcontractors.
He noted that the Oran plant is recording the highest growth rate within Stellantis, with a shift to CKD production planned this year, particularly for the Fiat Panda.
According to Ramdani, 26 subcontracting partners have already been selected 13 for assembly and 13 for after-sales, covering diverse segments including seats, wiring harnesses, wheels, plastic parts and brake pads.
The local integration rate, currently at 20%, is expected to reach 30% by the end of the year, he added.
Ramdani stressed that the strategic choice to rely on local subcontractors is motivated by logistics cost control, sustainability and reliability, underlining that "this is not a constraint but a conviction."
He also highlighted the notable improvement in production standards among Algerian partners, especially in certification and quality.
Several initiatives supporting and structuring the sector were also presented, including a platform developed by the National Entrepreneurship Support and Development Agency (NESDA) to facilitate connections between industrial companies and subcontractors, as well as efforts to reduce certification timelines with the help of local bodies.
Other speakers emphasized the need to rely on industrial leaders to structure the national ecosystem, noting that Algerian companies are engaged in continuous improvement, creating opportunities for exports.
Equip Auto 2026 continues until Thursday at Algiers Exhibition Center, under the theme "Made in Algeria."
