Toyota, car for Africa?

Toyota, car for Africa?

I was on a survey and I visited three African countries. What I noticed on the roads was only one type of car namely Toyota.

On the borders between Malawi and Tanzania, I saw a number of Toyotas of different types crossing the borders of Tanzania into Malawi. Drivers of the vehicles told me the vehicles are second hand and are being bought from Japan.

“These vehicles are a bit cheaper. Some of them cost only 3,000 American dollars to ship to Africa from Japan so we save some money,” said John Knathi one of the drivers.

He said although they are second hand, it takes some time before they start giving problems.

“I cannot guarantee that they do not have problems. Some of the problems are very minimal and can even be fixed by our local mechanics, said John knathi from Tanzania.

John said many traders have made a fortune buying the cars in Japan and selling them in Africa.

As I passed through the capital of Malawi called Lilongwe, I saw a number of them on a filling station of fuel. Out of the forty cars lined up, only nine were non Toyota.

When I entered Zambia from Malawi, it was the same case. There were a number of cars made by Toyota in different types. The trend continued as I entered Botswana and South Africa.

Lohlazi Qumayo in South Africa said in an interview that Toyota spares are found in abundance saying because of this many people opt for this type of car.