African used car market

According to the latest data, the export of second-hand vehicles from China to the African market has continued to grow. In 2024, the total export volume of second-hand vehicles from China was approximately 410,000 units, increasing by 49.4% compared to the previous year. The growth rate in the African market was approximately 8% – 10%. From January to May 2025, the export of Chinese vehicles (including second-hand vehicles) to Africa reached 222,000 units, an increase of 67% compared to the previous year. The number of cars in Africa is low (with a per capita ownership of approximately 40 vehicles), and the demand is strong. It mainly relies on imported second-hand vehicles. Chinese vehicles have occupied a share due to their high cost-effectiveness, low maintenance costs, and zero tariffs. Some popular countries have friendly policies, such as Ethiopia, allowing only new energy second-hand vehicle imports, Nigeria, relaxing the age limit for vehicles, and Egypt, encouraging new energy vehicle models. （https://finance.sina.com.cn/jjxw/2025-07-04/doc-infehuet9618107.shtml?froms=ggmp）

Popular countries

The following are the major countries in Africa where Chinese used cars are exported in 2024-2025. These countries account for a significant proportion of China’s used car exports to Africa (for example, the top four countries account for over 62%). Nigeria is the largest market, with an annual import volume of approximately 300,000 vehicles. Other countries, such as Egypt, have distinct consumption stratification (with a great demand from the middle and low-income groups), Algeria offers tariff preferences, and Ethiopia has lenient policies. Countries like Mozambique have a二手车 export ratio of over 80%, while South Africa, Angola, and Ghana are also experiencing rapid growth.（https://news.caijingmobile.com/article/detail/551241?source_id=40）

Country	Key features and data
Nigeria	The largest used car market in Africa, with an annual import volume of 300,000 vehicles. China has a high export volume (exceeding 40 million US dollars in the first nine months of 2024), with the demand for pickup trucks accounting for over 50%. The policy has relaxed the age limit for vehicles.
Egypt	There is a clear consumption segmentation, with the middle and low-income groups favoring economy-type vehicles. Electric vehicle second-hand cars have become the new favorite, with export volume leading (exceeding 300 million US dollars in the first nine months of 2024).
Algeria	Tariff concessions promote imports. The export volume has significantly increased, with the focus on low and medium displacement vehicle models.
Ethiopia	Tariff concessions promote imports. The export volume has significantly increased, with the focus on low and medium-displacement vehicle models.
South Africa	The market is mature, with active Chinese brands and a high proportion of new energy vehicles. The export volume is expected to be approximately 157 million US dollars in 2024.
Angola	The demand is stable and the export volume exceeds 20 million US dollars.
Ghana	The demand is stable, and the export volume exceeds 20 million US dollars.
Mozambique	Used cars account for over 80%, and Chinese cars with low maintenance costs are popular.
Other countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Libya, Tanzania, Namibia, and Uganda	There was also growth, but on a smaller scale.

Popular Models (Top 3 Categories and Examples of Popular Sentiments)

The road conditions in Africa are complex and dusty. Economy cars with medium to low engine displacement (1-3L) are the most popular, catering to the middle and low-income groups. Popular models are characterized by durability and high cost-effectiveness. Both fuel vehicles and new energy vehicles are available (the proportion of new energy vehicles is gradually increasing to 60%). In Nigeria, the demand for pickup trucks exceeds 50%; in Egypt, used new energy vehicles are popular. The prices of Changan series vehicles in Africa are often more than twice the domestic prices, and the profit per vehicle exceeds 100,000 yuan. （https://pdf.dfcfw.com/pdf/H3_AP202503131644328464_1.pdf）

1. Pickup truck (commercial durable type): Suitable for complex road conditions and transportation needs, with a high proportion in countries like Nigeria.

Final translation: Great Wall Truck, Jiangling Yuhu.

Reason: Economical and practical, with strong load-carrying capacity and low maintenance costs.

2. Economy cars: Designed for middle and low-income groups, they are the preferred choice for urban commuting.

Example: Geely， Chery.

Reasons: High fuel efficiency, affordable price, and easy maintenance.

3. SUV (Multi-purpose): Suitable for diverse terrains in Africa, catering to both family and off-road needs.

Example: Haval H6, Chery Ruiguo series.

Reason: Strong functionality, ample space, suitable for handling various complex road conditions.

Other emerging trends: New energy vehicle models (such as electric SUVs) have become popular in Egypt and Ethiopia, with the export value of new energy vehicles accounting for 60.6% in 2023. Overall, Chinese vehicles precisely meet African demands through zero tariffs and low costs.

Key data and the secret code for developing the market

• In 2024, the total export of second-hand vehicles from China was nearly 500,000 units (actual figure: 410,000 units), with an 8%-10% growth rate in the African market. Among the exports to Africa, the total value of medium- and low-displacement vehicles exceeded $ 3 billion.（https://m.voc.com.cn/xhn/news/202506/29698427.html）
• Trend in 2025: The total export has exceeded one million units. The African market continues to grow at a high rate (222,000 vehicles exported in the first 5 months). The profit is high. The key to development lies in choosing the right models (such as promoting economy fuel vehicles to Africa), leveraging policies (such as zero tariffs), and having a complete parts supply chain.（https://m.chinabgao.com/info/1276463.html）