The Hidden Cost of Imported Used Cars in Africa
Every year, Africa imports millions of used vehicles from Europe, Japan, and the United States. While these affordable cars may seem like an opportunity for mobility on paper, they hide a colossal environmental and economic cost, particularly in North Africa.
According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over 14 million used vehicles were exported worldwide between 2015 and 2018, with more than 60% heading to developing countries, and Africa accounting for 40% of this volume.
Imported Pollution at a Low Cost
Most of these vehicles are very old, often between 16 and 20 years old, with engines that fail to meet current environmental standards. As a result, these cars emit up to 90% more particulate matter and NOx than those circulating in the European Union, according to a 2020 BBC article. This pollution has a direct impact on public health. According to UNEP, air pollution is responsible for 1.1 million premature deaths annually in Africa. Road traffic is among the top sources of particulate matter, exacerbating respiratory and cardiovascular diseases (UNEP, 2020).
North Africa: Between Regulation and Market Reality
Some North African countries have taken strict measures to limit this "imported pollution." Morocco, for example, bans the entry of cars over 5 years old and imposes a minimum Euro 4 standard (UNEP, 2020). Tunisia also applies a similar age limit, but the control of conformity of these vehicles sometimes escapes the rules. Algeria and Egypt have opted for more severe restrictions, or even partial bans, but still struggle with urban congestion. In Cairo alone, pollution and traffic jams cost $8 billion annually, equivalent to 4% of the country's GDP.
A False Economic Calculation
For households, buying an imported used car is often the only financially accessible option. However, the true cost is masked: medical expenses, high maintenance, excessive fuel consumption, and often obsolete or counterfeit spare parts. According to a DW article, these "savings" made at the time of purchase are cancelled out by negative externalities: increased pollution, higher road mortality, and lost productivity due to traffic jams.
What Alternative?
Several initiatives are emerging. Organizations like UNEP and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are working to harmonize import standards to stop the dumping of old or polluting vehicles. Some experts propose a progressive taxation system based on the vehicle's age and emissions, accompanied by massive investments in public transportation and soft mobility. In North Africa, Morocco's example shows that strict regulation can reduce the environmental impact, but must be accompanied by a sustainable mobility policy to avoid simply shifting the problem elsewhere.
