Africa Used Truck Market By Tonnage Capacity (3.5 Tons to 7.5 Tons, 7.5 Tons to 16 Tons, 16 Tons to 30 Tons and Above 30 Tons), By Fuel (Diesel, Petrol, Others), By Application (Construction, Logistics, Mining and Others), By Country, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

 Market Overview

Africa Used Truck market was valued at USD 5.8 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach approximately USD 9.0 Billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period. The Africa used truck market is undergoing a dynamic shift due to growing infrastructure development and the rising need for cost-effective transportation solutions. Many developing economies across the continent rely on affordable vehicle options for industries such as logistics, construction, and mining. Used trucks provide an ideal balance between capability and cost, making them attractive to small- and medium-sized businesses. Fleet owners are increasingly seeking second-hand commercial vehicles to manage operating expenses and stay competitive in demanding sectors. The influx of imported used trucks from Europe, Asia, and North America has significantly expanded the available inventory in the African market. According to the African Development Bank’s 2024 report on trade policies, import tariffs on new commercial vehicles in East and West Africa average between 25-35%. These duties inflate prices of new trucks beyond the reach of most SMEs, incentivizing buyers to turn to the used market where tariffs and fees are often lower or structured differently.

This broad range of vehicle models allows end-users to select from various specifications suited to their business needs. The growing prevalence of online platforms and specialized dealerships has also improved access to information, simplified purchase processes, and helped build consumer confidence. Digitalization is playing a key role in increasing transparency and encouraging transactions in this previously opaque sector.

Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Cost-Effective Transportation Solutions

The increasing need for cost-effective logistics and transportation options is a major driver of the used truck market across Africa. Many small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across sectors like agriculture, construction, and retail cannot afford new commercial vehicles due to high purchase costs, import taxes, and currency fluctuations. Used trucks offer a financially viable alternative, enabling fleet expansion and operational efficiency at a lower capital investment. This affordability attracts not only local enterprises but also logistics startups and informal transport operators looking to reduce overheads while maintaining service capacity. The used truck market fulfills this demand by supplying vehicles that are often refurbished and certified to meet acceptable performance standards. Leasing companies and dealers have also begun offering financing and warranty packages tailored to second-hand vehicles, further improving accessibility.  Data from the African Leasing Association (2025) indicate that less than 30% of SMEs qualify for traditional vehicle financing due to strict credit requirements. In contrast, used truck dealers increasingly offer flexible payment schemes, attracting buyers who cannot secure bank loans for new vehicles.

Rapid Expansion of E-commerce and Logistics Services

The rapid rise of e-commerce platforms and logistics services across Africa is fueling the demand for commercial transport, especially used trucks. Online shopping has seen exponential growth in urban and semi-urban areas due to mobile internet penetration, digital payment adoption, and changing consumer behaviors. To meet delivery expectations, both large logistics providers and smaller courier startups require a readily available fleet of trucks. However, the acquisition of brand-new vehicles can be a financial burden, especially for firms operating on tight margins or within developing economies. Investment in logistics infrastructure is accelerating to meet the demands of the growing e-commerce sector. The African Development Bank has funded 25 transport corridors, constructing over 18,000 km of roads, 27 border crossings, and 16 bridges, totaling USD 13.5 billion. These developments enhance the efficiency of goods movement across the continent, driving the need for reliable transportation solutions, including used trucks. Used truck dealers are responding to this trend by modernizing their offerings, ensuring quality checks, and even providing telematics-enabled vehicles for better fleet management. In many African markets, the secondary truck segment is increasingly integrated into digital procurement platforms, making sourcing more transparent and efficient.

Infrastructure Development and Construction Boom

Africa’s ongoing infrastructure and construction boom is significantly boosting the demand for commercial transport solutions, especially used trucks. Governments and private investors are pouring resources into roads, railways, bridges, industrial zones, and housing projects, requiring extensive logistical support. Construction materials such as cement, gravel, steel, and heavy machinery need reliable transportation across various terrains and distances. Used trucks serve this demand well due to their lower upfront cost and proven durability in challenging environments. Dump trucks, tipper trucks, and flatbeds are particularly popular among contractors and subcontractors seeking to mobilize equipment quickly and affordably. These vehicles are often preferred over new ones because they allow immediate deployment without straining project budgets. African governments and development institutions are committing substantial resources to infrastructure projects, significantly boosting demand for construction logistics. For instance, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has invested USD 1.44 billion in Nigeria to support energy, transport, water, and sanitation infrastructure . Similarly, Uganda plans to borrow USD 500 million from Afreximbank and other institutions to fund infrastructure development . These investments necessitate efficient transportation solutions, making used trucks a cost-effective choice for construction companies.

Growth of the Informal Economy and Owner-Operator Model

The dominance of the informal economy in many African nations has shaped a unique demand pattern in the used truck market, particularly favoring the owner-operator model. Markets such as Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania have witnessed significant traction in this segment, where local transport demand often exceeds the supply capacity of established fleet operators. The growth of digital platforms and mobile-based logistics apps also supports the owner-operator model, offering small truck owners visibility and job opportunities. In response, used truck suppliers are adapting to serve this niche by offering customized vehicle configurations and low-entry financing schemes. The informal sector’s dynamism ensures a steady base of customers who prioritize access over perfection, making used trucks a vital part of Africa’s broader economic fabric and self-employment ecosystem.

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Key Market Challenges

Inconsistent Import Regulations

Import policies for used trucks vary widely across African countries, creating market fragmentation and trade inefficiencies. While some governments impose strict age limits and high tariffs, others offer more lenient regulations. These inconsistencies lead to unpredictable costs for importers and hinder the flow of used trucks across the continent. Traders and buyers face challenges navigating regulatory requirements, which can delay transactions and reduce buyer confidence in certain Countrys. Many African nations lack comprehensive regulations governing the importation of used vehicles. A report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) revealed that 48 out of 54 African countries have inadequate measures to regulate used heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) imports. Additionally, about 55% of African countries do not regulate used HDV imports or lack a comprehensive set of regulations for such imports. South Africa, for instance, illegal 'grey' vehicle imports continue to threaten the automotive sector. Despite regulatory frameworks intended to limit their entry, an estimated 50,000 illegal vehicles are added to the country's roads each year, bypassing official dealership networks and evading import duties and taxes.

Lack of Reliable Vehicle Histories

Transparency in vehicle condition and usage history is a key concern for buyers of used trucks. In Africa, vehicles are often resold without full disclosure of previous repairs, mileage tampering, or accident histories. This lack of transparency affects buyer trust and can result in increased maintenance costs post-purchase. Buyers may end up with vehicles requiring extensive repair, reducing cost savings and leading to dissatisfaction. It also hampers the development of a formalized resale ecosystem.

Market Trends

Emergence of Digital Platforms for Used Truck Sales

The digitalization of vehicle sales has reached the used truck market in Africa. Online marketplaces are emerging that connect buyers and sellers directly, providing detailed listings, images, and even inspection reports. These platforms are reducing transaction friction and improving buyer confidence. Users can compare models, access pricing benchmarks, and communicate securely with sellers, increasing transparency and trust across the market.

Government Push Towards Vehicle Standardization

Several African nations are moving toward standardizing vehicle imports and enforcing inspection certificates. These regulatory efforts aim to reduce the inflow of damaged or unsafe vehicles and enhance road safety. As governments adopt stricter policies, used truck vendors are aligning with global standards to ensure compliance. This trend will likely improve the overall quality of trucks in circulation, benefiting long-term fleet sustainability. 

Expanding Role of Aftermarket Services

With used trucks commanding a large share of the commercial vehicle landscape, the demand for aftermarket services such as maintenance, refurbishment, and spare parts distribution is rising. Service networks are expanding across key trade hubs to meet this need. Entrepreneurs are investing in service centers that specialize in older vehicle models, creating employment opportunities and strengthening the market ecosystem.

Preference for European and Japanese Brands

Buyers in Africa are increasingly favoring used trucks from specific countries known for durability and efficiency. Japanese and European brands are widely recognized for their reliability and fuel economy. This preference influences import patterns, as dealers target these markets for inventory. Familiarity with these vehicles also supports easier servicing and part sourcing, making them a preferred choice among repeat buyers.

Cross-Border Trade Expansion Under AfCFTA

The African Continental Free Trade Area is driving cross-border commerce, prompting logistics companies to expand Country fleets. Used trucks provide an accessible entry point for logistics providers seeking to tap into new trade corridors. Demand for reliable long-haul trucks that can handle diverse terrains and climates is growing, supported by harmonized trade policies and emerging logistics infrastructure.  

Segmental Insights

Application Insights

The Africa used truck market serves a variety of industries, including construction, logistics, mining, and others. The construction sector relies heavily on used trucks for transporting raw materials such as cement, gravel, and steel to project sites. Trucks are also used to haul away debris and deliver prefabricated components, making them essential to both urban and rural development initiatives. In logistics, used trucks support Country distribution networks and last-mile delivery, providing cost-effective transportation solutions in both urban and peri-urban areas. The growing e-commerce sector has further increased the need for affordable fleet options to ensure timely deliveries.

In the mining industry, used trucks are deployed for hauling ore, machinery, and crew across challenging environments. These operations demand vehicles with durability and load-bearing capabilities, which many used heavy-duty trucks can fulfill. Other application areas include agriculture, where trucks are used to transport produce from farms to markets, and utility sectors where service providers use them for infrastructure maintenance. The diverse utility of used trucks across sectors underscores their value in Africa’s economic ecosystem.

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Country Insights

South Africa

South Africa remains the largest and most mature market for used trucks due to its well-developed infrastructure and established commercial transport industry. The country’s extensive mining, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors generate consistent demand for reliable heavy-duty and medium-duty trucks. A well-established network of dealers and service providers supports the secondary truck market, offering buyers access to quality vehicles and maintenance options. The affordability of used trucks compared to new imports attracts a wide range of businesses, from small logistics operators to large fleet owners seeking cost-efficient fleet expansion. South Africa’s road infrastructure and relatively stable economic environment also encourage investment in commercial transport, further driving used truck sales.

Egypt 

Egypt ranks second in terms of market size, driven by rapid urbanization and infrastructure development projects. The country’s strategic location as a gateway between Africa and the Middle East supports growing trade volumes, necessitating efficient transport solutions. The government’s focus on expanding logistics hubs and upgrading transportation networks boosts demand for commercial vehicles, particularly those suited to haul goods within urban centers and across long distances. Used trucks offer a practical alternative for businesses looking to balance capital expenditure with operational needs. Egypt’s expanding industrial zones and manufacturing base require a steady supply of trucks capable of handling varied payloads, stimulating the market for medium and heavy trucks that have been imported from Europe and Asia.

Recent Developments

• In 2023, Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) made a significant investment by opening its new head office in South Africa, with a total investment of around USD 10 million. This development marked a pivotal move for the company, reinforcing its commitment to the African market and boosting its operational capabilities in the Country. This strategic investment came shortly after the global split between Daimler AG’s truck and car divisions, allowing Daimler Truck AG to focus exclusively on its commercial vehicle sector.
• In August 2024, Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) marked a significant milestone by assembling its 800,000th Completely Knocked Down (CKD) unit at the East London plant. This Mercedes-Benz Actros 2645LS/33 was delivered to Sesfigile Logistics and Safety One Logistics, both celebrating their 20th and 10th anniversaries, respectively. The CKD assembly model allows DTSA to offer cost-effective solutions tailored to the African market, enhancing the availability of quality used trucks across the continent. 
• In August 2024, DTSA plans to expand its electric truck lineup in South Africa, introducing new models tailored for various commercial applications. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions in the Country.
• In January 2024, Volvo Trucks introduced an all-new heavy-duty truck platform designed for global markets, including Africa. These models feature advanced energy-efficient technologies, including options for electric and renewable fuel-powered trucks, aligning with Volvo's commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions and achieving a net-zero emission product range by 2040. The introduction of these new models is expected to influence the used truck market by increasing the availability of modern, fuel-efficient vehicles suitable for various African logistics needs. 

Key Market Players

• Volvo Group
• Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz Trucks)
• MAN Truck & Bus SE
• Scania AB
• Isuzu Motors Ltd.
• Hino Motors Ltd.
• Navistar International Corporation
• Ford Motor Company
• Tata Motors Limited
• Ashok Leyland Limited

Report Scope:

In this report, the Africa Used Truck Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Africa Used Truck Market, By Tonnage Capacity:

• 3.5 Tons to 7.5 Tons
• 7.5 Tons to 16 Tons
• 16 Tons to 30 Tons
• Above 30 Tons

Africa Used Truck Market, By Fuel:

• Diesel
• Petrol
• Others

Africa Used Truck Market, By Application:

• Construction
• Logistics
• Mining
• Others

Africa Used Truck Market, By Country:

• South Africa
• Egypt
• Morocco
• Libya
• Nigeria
• Kenya
• Angola
• Zimbabwe

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Africa Used Truck Market.

Available Customizations:

Africa Used Truck Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to the company’s specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report: -

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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