A technology company, AFRIKARS, has introduced a platform to provide price transparency in Nigeria's car import market. The platform offers an estimated landed cost for vehicles, covering the car, shipping, and import charges, before buyers commit to a purchase. This aims to address the issue of unexpected additional costs that Nigerian car importers often face. The company's co-founder, Femi Omotoso, notes that the problem is not that Nigerians cannot buy cars abroad, but that they are not informed of the total cost until after payment.
The AFRIKARS platform lists over 160,000 vehicles from US dealers, with each vehicle displaying an estimated landed cost. Buyers can browse listings on the website or mobile app, and when they choose a car, AFRIKARS purchases it on their behalf and manages the process until delivery. Payment is made in naira, into a Nigerian account, eliminating the need for dollar transfers abroad. The company also offers a free VIN lookup, allowing users to check a vehicle's US export history, including title records, accident, and salvage history.
The timing of AFRIKARS' launch is strategic, coinciding with the implementation of the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures in Nigeria. The new policy reduces import levies on used and new vehicles, while introducing a Green Tax Surcharge. However, buyers can only benefit from these changes if they have transparency in the import process. AFRIKARS argues that its platform converts policy changes into tangible savings for buyers by providing visibility into each line item of the import cost.
Used vehicle imports remain a significant part of Nigeria's automotive market, with foreign-used cars making up the majority of vehicles on the country's roads. AFRIKARS aims to make the import process more transparent and verifiable, allowing buyers to track and confirm each stage of the process. The company's platform currently delivers vehicles into Nigeria, with plans to expand to other markets on the continent.
To promote its launch, AFRIKARS has introduced Founders 100, a founding membership program limited to the first 100 buyers who bring a vehicle home through the platform. Founding members will receive a discounted service rate of 3.8%, subject to a minimum of $800, which will be locked in for life. They will also receive additional benefits, including fuel credit and vehicle registration handled by the company.
AFRIKARS officially launched its platform on October 13, 2026, in Abuja, introducing it to its first live audience. The company currently offers vehicles for browsing on its website, alongside a landed cost calculator and VIN lookup tool. The AFRIKARS app is also available on the App Store, allowing buyers to access the platform on-the-go.
The launch of AFRIKARS marks a significant development in Nigeria's car import market, providing buyers with greater transparency and control over the import process. With its platform, AFRIKARS aims to make car imports more accessible and affordable for Nigerians, while also promoting accountability and efficiency in the industry.
Key points
- AFRIKARS provides an estimated landed cost for vehicles, covering the car, shipping, and import charges.
- The platform offers a free VIN lookup, allowing users to check a vehicle's US export history.
- AFRIKARS has introduced a founding membership program, Founders 100, with discounted service rates and additional benefits for the first 100 buyers.
