The African used car market is emerging as a high-growth frontier for global automotive traders, driven by a rising middle class, increasing demand for affordable mobility, and expanding digital infrastructure. As the fastest-growing regional market in the global used car industry with a 6.4% market share in 2025 <superscript>1, Africa offers tremendous opportunities for foreign exporters who understand its unique dynamics—from regional policy nuances to consumer preference shifts. In this guide, we break down the latest market trends, key growth drivers, top-selling models, and actionable insights for tapping into this booming sector.
Key Market Overview: Why Africa’s Used Car Sector Is Booming
Africa’s automotive landscape is dominated by used vehicles, which account for 85% of the continent’s total vehicle fleet <superscript>2. This dominance stems from economic realities: used cars offer a more accessible entry point for consumers facing budget constraints, while new vehicles remain out of reach for most. The market is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 8.65% from 2025 to 2031 <superscript>6, fueled by three core drivers:
Rising Middle-Class & Urbanization: Africa’s expanding middle class—with growing disposable incomes—and rapid urbanization are boosting demand for personal transportation. In countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, urban dwellers rely on private vehicles to navigate inadequate public transit systems.
Digital Transformation: Online marketplaces (e.g., OLX Group, Cars45, Cheki) and AI-powered valuation tools are reducing the trust deficit that long plagued the sector <superscript>6. Investors are pouring capital into these platforms: South Africa’s Planet42 raised $100 million to scale its used car financing operations <superscript>2, while Kenya’s Peach Cars secured $5 million in seed funding to expand its marketplace <superscript>2.
Post-Pandemic Mobility Shifts: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated demand for private vehicles as consumers sought safer alternatives to public transport, a trend that persists in 2025.
Regional Market Breakdown: Opportunities by Country
Africa’s used car market is highly fragmented, with distinct policies, consumer preferences, and growth drivers across regions. For foreign traders, targeting the right markets is critical to success.
1. South Africa: The Continent’s Most Mature Market
South Africa leads Africa’s used car sector, with a vibrant market driven by organized dealers and high consumer trust. In November 2025 alone, 33,705 used vehicles were sold <superscript>5. Key trends include:
Top models: Ford Ranger (market-leading pickup), Toyota Hilux, Volkswagen Polo, and Toyota Fortuner <superscript>5.
Consumer preference: Durable pickups and SUVs that can handle both urban and rural terrain.
Opportunities: High demand for certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles and financing options, as online platforms dominate sales<superscript>6.
2. Nigeria & Ghana: West Africa’s Growth Engines
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is a key market with annual used car imports of ~200,000 units. Ghana, meanwhile, is emerging as a hub for eco-friendly vehicles due to favorable policies. Key details:
Policy notes: Nigeria bans imports of used cars older than 12 years <superscript>4, while Ghana prohibits vehicles over 10 years old and offers zero tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) <superscript>4.
Consumer preference: Left-hand drive vehicles,经济型 sedans (e.g., Toyota Corolla), and pickups. Ghana’s market is seeing growing demand for used EVs among ride-hailing drivers.
3. East Africa: Kenya & Ethiopia
Kenya’s used car market is valued at $1.25 billion, with 96% of vehicles imported <superscript>2. Ethiopia’s market, worth $471 million in 2025, is growing at a CAGR of over 2.5% <superscript>7. Both markets favor:
Durable, low-maintenance models: Toyota Vitz (popular in Ethiopia, priced at $9,500–$11,678) and Suzuki Swift <superscript>3.
Ride-hailing demand: Used SUVs and sedans are in high demand among网约车 drivers, creating opportunities for exporters.
4. North Africa: Egypt & Morocco
Egypt and Morocco are growth enablers for North Africa’s used car market. Morocco, Africa’s largest car exporter, sells ~560,000 used cars annually <superscript>2. Egypt has strict import rules: only hybrid/EVs under 3 years old and commercial vehicles under 10 years old are allowed<superscript>4.
Junchi Hai Automobile International Trade Co., Ltd. (JCH Auto), formerly known as Dajianghang Automobile Sales Co., Ltd., was established in 2001 in Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, China, with a registered capital of 10 million RMB.
