diff --git a/platform/android/Makefile b/platform/android/Makefile
index 06c8512e94b..4eaa0d8138d 100644
--- a/platform/android/Makefile
+++ b/platform/android/Makefile
@@ -238,6 +238,7 @@ run-android-unit-test-%: gradle/configuration.gradle
 apackage: gradle/configuration.gradle
 	make android-lib-arm-v7 && make android-lib-arm-v8 && make android-lib-x86 && make android-lib-x86-64
 	$(MBGL_ANDROID_GRADLE) -Pmapbox.abis=all assemble$(BUILDTYPE)
+	mkdir -p build
 	tar -czvf build/debug-symbols.tar.gz -C MapboxGLAndroidSDK/build/intermediates/library_jni/release/copyReleaseJniLibsProjectOnly/jni .
 
 # Build test app instrumentation tests apk and test app apk for all abi's