Why Are UK Used Trucks in High Demand Across Africa?

The demand for UK used trucks has surged dramatically across the African continent in recent years. At GRC Trucks, we’ve seen this boom first-hand. We have decades of experience in exporting to countries across Africa, so we understand the economic, logistical and regulatory factors driving the trend. We understand how used UK trucks can be a massive benefit to businesses and organisations in Africa. 

Why UK Used Trucks are Popular in Africa

There are several reasons why African buyers consistently use the UK market for commercial vehicles. 

• Durability: British commercial trucks are reliable and built to last. Reputable European brands such as DAF, MAN, Scania, Mercedes, Iveco, Renault and Volvo offer great choice and dominate UK fleets – and GRC offers models from all these brands. Each is well known for engineering quality and long-term resilience. They are subject to strict maintenance schedules and regulatory checks in the UK, so are in excellent condition when entering the export market. 

• Right-hand drive compatibility: A significant number of African nations operate on right-hand drive systems (including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Botswana). This makes the UK a natural source for vehicles that don’t require costly conversions. For these buyers, UK trucks provide immediate usability on local roads. 

• Better value: Used UK trucks often offer better mileage, condition and price than locally sourced. The vehicles GRC Trucks exports have been well-maintained by UK fleet operators, giving buyers in Africa peace of mind and good cost savings. 

• Adaptability: Used trucks available from the UK are built to handle a variety of road conditions and climate-related challenges. This durability transfers well to African terrains, from unpaved rural paths in Zambia to high-traffic industrial zones in Lagos. 

Economic and Market Drivers in Africa

The demand for used commercial vehicles in Africa is underpinned by economic forces. 

• Infrastructure: According to the African Development Bank, over $170 billion annually is needed to bridge Africa’s infrastructure gap. Major investments are required in roads, ports, housing and logistics. Urban populations are growing fast, creating massive demand for haulage and construction vehicles. 

• Logistics: The World Bank reports that intra-African trade is growing steadily, with cross-border corridors in need of reliable transportation. Used trucks are essential to support this growth, especially for logistics companies and fleet owners who need affordable but dependable vehicles. 

• Private construction and mining: In Ghana, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, mining and construction continue to expand. This means there is demand for tippers, flatbeds and 6×4 tractors, which UK used vehicles are well suited to fulfil. 

Regulations and Import Considerations

UK trucks often meet or exceed most requirements, with each African country having its own import laws. Since January 2025 Kenya has enforced an eight-year age limit on vehicle imports (so, currently, only vehicles first registered in 2018 or later are allowed). Ghana has introduced enhanced inspections and emissions standards – and UK trucks almost always pass these due to better servicing and maintenance. GRC Trucks supports buyers in Africa every step of the way, providing the necessary requirements. 

• Pre-shipping inspection support 

• DVLA export paperwork 

• Bill of Lading and customs documentation 

• Advice on port clearance 

The Unique Challenges Faced by African Truck Buyers

1. Transparency: Sourcing trucks from another country involves a significant amount of trust. GRC prioritises clear communication, accurate vehicle descriptions and comprehensive inspections.  

1. Logistics: From securing space on RoRo vessels to handling container shipments, GRC Trucks manages export logistics efficiently. We coordinate with shipping agents and port authorities to ensure smooth delivery to African destinations. 

1. Expert advice: GRC regularly helps buyers in Africa choose the appropriate trucks for their industry, accounting for durability based on region-specific road conditions and the availability of spare parts in specific locations. 

GRC’s Expertise

With more than 30 years experience in the UK used truck market, and over a decade of consistent African exports, GRC Trucks offers customers in Africa everything they need. 

• Stock: A wide and diverse supply of export-ready vehicles including curtainsiders, flatbeds, tippers and refrigerated trucks. 

• Support: Full handling of shipping documents, inspections and customs paperwork. 

• Trust: Repeat buyers from across Africa rely on GRC for consistent quality. 

• Value: The vehicles supplied by GRC Trucks are high quality, providing excellent value. 

From the boom in infrastructure to the expanding logistics sector, Africa’s need for reliable trucks is only likely to rise. UK used trucks are ideally placed to meet this demand, and GRC has earned its reputation as a trusted supplier across the African continent. We offer quality vehicles, expert guidance, competitive prices and hassle-free international shipping. We can supply your business or organisation with exactly what you need, so contact us to find out more about what we have in stock and how we can help.