Côte d’Ivoire has launched construction of its first heavy-duty vehicle assembly plant, as the West African country seeks to strengthen its industrial base and reduce reliance on imported trucks.
Transport and Maritime Affairs Minister Amadou Koné laid the foundation stone on November 8, 2026, at the PK 27 industrial zone in Yopougon, Abidjan.
The project is being developed by Ivorian company Yeshi Group in partnership with Chinese truck manufacturer Sinotruk. The facility is expected to have an annual assembly capacity of 5,000 vehicles and create approximately 300 direct jobs.
The plant will occupy five hectares within a 23-hectare industrial complex. Construction is expected to take up to 36 months, putting the anticipated completion period around 2029.
The project will initially focus on assembling heavy-duty vehicles using components supplied by the partners. The longer-term ambition is to gradually increase local manufacturing and develop an industrial supply chain in Côte d’Ivoire.
The promoters are targeting a local content rate of between 25% and 30% within seven to ten years. The government has also highlighted opportunities to manufacture components locally, particularly through the development of plastics processing and the use of locally produced rubber.
The facility is also intended to serve markets beyond Côte d’Ivoire, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Liberia, positioning the country as a potential regional hub for heavy-duty vehicle assembly and distribution.
The investment comes amid growing demand for trucks from the mining, agricultural, transport and logistics sectors.
Alongside the industrial project, the partners are relying on the Sinotruk Academy in Yopougon to develop technical skills among local mechanics, electricians and drivers.
The project marks a step towards local vehicle assembly, although its broader industrial impact will depend on the development of local suppliers, technology transfer and the ability to increase the share of components produced in Côte d’Ivoire.