An estimated half of all used cars in Europe eventually end up in Africa. The port of Cotonou, the largest city in Benin, West Africa, serves as a major entry point for these vehicles, raising questions about environmental impact and trade practices.
An immense parking lot east of Cotonou is filled with vehicles stretching as far as the eye can see. At least 20,000 cars, trucks and minibuses of all makes and colors are stored there, representing a significant influx of used automobiles.
These vehicles are no longer wanted in Europe or the United States, often because they are too old or fail to meet current standards. However, they are expected to remain roadworthy for several more years in West Africa.
“Transit Niamey”
A 2003 Toyota Corolla, recently driven in Belgium and with 250,000 kilometers on the odometer, is offered for the equivalent of 3,000 Swiss francs, according to one seller. He explained that this model is highly sought after due to its durability and ease of repair.
However, a document on the car’s windshield caught the attention of reporters: an official paper from the port of Cotonou stating “Transit Niamey.” Similar import documents were found on countless other vehicles in the parking lot.
Niamey, the capital of Niger, seems an unlikely destination. The Sahel nation is one of the world’s poorest countries and typically imports only a few thousand cars annually. The border between Benin and Niger has been closed to vehicles for months due to political tensions.
The seller readily admitted that the “Transit Niamey” designation is a facade. “No, this car isn’t going there,” he said. “We write that on all the cars to save on customs fees.”
![Il n'y a pas de limite d'ancienneté pour l'importation de voitures au Bénin. Il n'est pas rare que les véhicules qui arrivent ici aient plus de 20 ans. [SRF - FABIAN URECH]](https://img.rts.ch/info/monde/2026/image/m2gqdb-29185436.image?mw=1280 "Il n'y a pas de limite d'ancienneté pour l'importation de voitures au Bénin. Il n'est pas rare que les véhicules qui arrivent ici aient plus de 20 ans. [SRF - FABIAN URECH]")
A Bureaucratic Camouflage Operation
Where do all these cars ultimately go? Few are willing to discuss it openly, but the answer is widely known: Nigeria. With a population of over 200 million, the neighboring country is the largest buyer of used cars in Africa, and is located just a half-hour drive away.
However, Nigeria officially prohibits the import of used cars by land and limits vehicle age to twelve years for environmental and safety reasons. Despite these restrictions, vehicles like the 23-year-old Corolla are still smuggled into the country.
The process appears relatively straightforward. When asked if he delivers to Nigeria, one trader responded, “It’s just a formality.” He explained that paying transit fees and passing through a small checkpoint is all that’s required. In Nigeria, someone is available to “officialize” the vehicle for around 100 Swiss francs.
“Transit Niamey” often serves as bureaucratic cover for a parallel economy that benefits from porous borders and lax controls, with bribes smoothing the way.
![De nombreux véhicules arborant des autocollants ". CH" sont également proposés à la vente à Cotonou. Les voitures suisses sont prisées en Afrique de l'Ouest, selon un connaisseur du marché. [SRF - FABIAN URECH]](https://img.rts.ch/info/monde/2026/image/hbn3et-29185444.image?mw=1280 "De nombreux véhicules arborant des autocollants \"CH\" sont également proposés à la vente à Cotonou. Les voitures suisses sont prisées en Afrique de l'Ouest, selon un connaisseur du marché. [SRF - FABIAN URECH]")
Swiss Cars are Highly Valued
Another detail stands out on the parking lot: the numerous white stickers bearing the inscription “CH,” indicating Swiss registration. License plate frames also display garages from cities like Sion, Ebikon, Kriens, and Langnau.
According to a market insider, Swiss cars are particularly sought after. “They are generally in good condition and almost always cleaner than cars from other countries.”
It is difficult to determine how many used Swiss cars end up in Cotonou. However, Swiss customs statistics show that Swiss exporters are also participating in the “Transit Niamey” system. Over the past five years, more than 13,000 used Swiss cars have been officially exported to Niger. Fewer than 5,000 were officially exported to Nigeria, the true market.
But on this vast parking lot in Benin, appearance and reality are two very different things. Niger, or Niamey, are primarily phantom destinations, ensuring a constant flow of old cars from Europe.
Fabian Urech, SRF
Adaptation for RTSinfo: Didier Kottelat
