Africa is one of the fastest-growing destinations for used car import from China. Among all entry points, three major Africa car ports dominate the market: Dar es Salaam port (Tanzania), Mombasa port (Kenya), and Lagos port (Nigeria). Each port has its own advantages, fees, and processing times. For African buyers and importers, choosing the right port can reduce costs and speed up car shipping from China.
Dar es Salaam Port (Tanzania)
Dar es Salaam port is one of East Africa’s busiest gateways for used car import.
Advantages
Strategic access to Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC
Faster customs clearance compared to some West African ports
Stable port operations with improving infrastructure
Typical Shipping Time from China
20–30 days, depending on the shipping line
Why African Buyers Choose It
Buyers from landlocked countries prefer Dar es Salaam port because road connections are reliable and delivery to inland markets is straightforward.
Mombasa Port (Kenya)
Mombasa port is the largest seaport in East Africa and very popular for used car import.
Advantages
Serves Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Congo
High frequency of car shipping routes from China
Competitive port charges
Typical Shipping Time from China
18–28 days
Why African Buyers Choose It
Mombasa port is known for fast offloading, abundant clearing agents, and predictable customs procedures. Many importers from East Africa consider it cost-effective.
Lagos Port (Nigeria)
Lagos port—including Apapa and Tin Can Island—is the most important Africa car port for West Africa.
Advantages
Major hub for Nigeria, Benin, Ghana, and Cameroon
High demand for used cars and trucks
Many Ro-Ro shipping options from China
Typical Shipping Time from China
35–45 days
Why African Buyers Choose It
Nigeria is Africa’s largest market for used car import, and Lagos port handles massive volumes. Importers choose it because domestic resale demand is extremely strong.
Port Comparison Summary
| Feature | Dar es Salaam Port | Mombasa Port | Lagos Port |
|---|---|---|---|
| Region | East Africa | East Africa | West Africa |
| Shipping Time (from China) | 20–30 days | 18–28 days | 35–45 days |
| Best for | Landlocked countries | East African buyers | West African buyers |
| Customs Speed | Medium-Fast | Fast | Medium |
| Typical Cargo | SUVs, sedans, pickups | All types | Sedans, SUVs, trucks |
Which Port Should You Choose?
Choose Dar es Salaam port if:
- You are in Zambia, Malawi, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, or DR Congo
- You want stable, predictable delivery
Choose Mombasa port if:
- You want faster shipping from China
- You need the most competitive clearing fees
Choose Lagos port if:
- You sell cars in Nigeria or West Africa
- You import large volumes of SUVs and commercial vehicles
Conclusion
Selecting the right Africa car port is essential for smooth used car import from China. Dar es Salaam, Mombasa, and Lagos ports all offer strong advantages, but the best choice depends on your location, budget, and delivery needs. With the correct port strategy, African buyers can reduce shipping costs and get their cars faster and more safely.
