Japan is a leading producer of vehicles, with top manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and others producing cars, motorcycles, and more. The country has remained one of the leading car markets due to the import ease and durability of the products.
Africa’s growing middle class and diverse transportation needs have created a high demand for used Japanese cars, driven by their affordability, reliability, and variety.
While brand-new cars are seemingly out of reach for most people due to the high Import duties costs and taxes, used vehicles however, generally face lower duties, making them a more feasible option, particularly for first-time buyers or small businesses looking to acquire vehicles at a low cost.
Mordor Intelligence reports that Africa accounts for about 40% of imported used vehicle transitions. The major African countries that drive this market include Nigeria, Libya, and Kenya. The report also notes that used vehicles make up a significant portion, accounting for 85% of the overall vehicle fleet in Africa.
According to Japanese Car Trade, the top African countries that imported the highest number of used Japanese cars between January 2024, and August 2024 include;
| Rank | Country | Units Imported |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Tanzania |
46,944 |
|
2 |
Kenya |
38,861 |
|
3 |
South Africa |
33.900 |
|
4 |
Uganda |
19,440 |
|
5 |
DR Congo |
14,224 |
|
6 |
Zambia |
9,848 |
|
7 |
Zimbabwe |
7.557 |
In Africa, Tanzania emerged the top African country that imported the highest number of used Japanese cars during the period. Other countries like Kenya, South Africa and Uganda trailed behind.
The Japanese used car market report showed that in August 2024, the UAE imported the highest number of used cars from Japan – 16,284 cars. Russia came in second place with 15,153 units while Tanzania came in third position with 7,725 units.
