The Interprofessional Grouping, Automobiles, Materials and Equipment (Gipame) launched the first edition of the Abidjan Motor Show (Saa 2019) which will take place from December 12 to 16, 2019 around the theme: "the automobile , driving force of emergence in Côte d'Ivoire".

It was June 13, 2019, at the Maison de l'entreprise in Abidjan-Plateau.

Amadou Koné, Minister of Transport, noted that in 1983, Côte d'Ivoire bought 23,000 new vehicles per year but this figure fell to 11,000 vehicles in 2018. It is therefore important to revive the sector.

This is why the government is committed to supporting this exhibition, the objective of which is to encourage road users to acquire new vehicles, equipment and materials.

According to him, even if it is important to create jobs and a healthy environment, it is also important to create the conditions for road safety because 94% of accidents in the world are due to road insecurity.

Abdoul Hussein Beydoun, Managing Director of Gipame and Commissioner General of the show, welcomed the growth (17% in the purchase rate of new vehicles in May 2019) since the vehicle age limit measure taken by the Ivorian government in July 2018.

Before indicating that the objective of this show, which will take place every two (2) years, is to create a platform for meetings and exchanges between professionals and actors of all sizes (private and public, local and international, from the automotive sector ), present and promote the know-how of the automotive trades, innovations and diversity of the sector, stimulate sub-regional and international partnerships, allow individuals and visitors to the show to acquire a new car or any equipment and materials at studied prices. "It is a question of making this fair a major economic and socio-cultural event in West Africa", he argued.

Fabrice Sawegnon, the boss of Voodoo group, in charge of the event and communication part, explained that this show will have three (3) parts. A scientific component marked by conferences, workshops and panels; an exhibition component on a site set up for this purpose (a mechanics market, a vehicle test track) and an entertainment component with games, food and refreshment stands.

More than 70,000 visitors and more than 2,000 exhibitors are expected at this show, which will take place on the site of the exhibition center located on the road to the Félix Houphouët-Boigny international airport in Abidjan.