• Africa’s two-wheel motorcycle market should reach $5.55 billion in 2026 and $7.29 billion by 2031, driven by urbanization and informal transport.

• Rising import dependence, currency volatility and supply chain pressures continue to push motorcycle prices higher.

• Cities struggle to regulate motorcycle taxis amid congestion, pollution, road safety risks and social tensions.

In major African metropolitan areas and secondary cities, two-wheel motorcycles have become central to daily mobility over recent decades. Motorcycles and scooters now account for a significant share of urban trips, both for personal use and commercial activity, particularly motorcycle taxis. Demographic and economic forces underpin this expansion, yet the trend also exposes mounting tensions, including price inflation, import reliance, urban congestion, pollution, road safety risks and regulatory strain.

According to data from market research firm Mordor Intelligence, Africa’s two-wheel motorcycle market should reach $5.55 billion in 2026 and expand to $7.29 billion by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 7.08%. Rapid urbanization, a predominantly young population and the continuation of tax incentives in several countries support this trajectory.

A Pragmatic Response to Urban Mobility Needs

Structural deficiencies in public transport systems explain the rapid spread of motorcycles across African cities. Many urban areas lack reliable bus networks, while large-scale projects such as metros, bus rapid transit systems and tramways fail to cover entire metropolitan regions. In this context, motorcycles offer an accessible, flexible and relatively affordable alternative to private cars, while significantly reducing travel times.

Motorcycle taxis—known as okada in Nigeria, zemidjan in Benin and boda-boda in East Africa—play a critical economic and social role. In many sub-Saharan cities, they connect peripheral neighborhoods that lack adequate links to city centers. At the same time, they provide income to hundreds of thousands of workers in economies marked by high unemployment.

However, population growth continues to outpace state investment in mobility infrastructure. The Africa Center for Strategic Studies estimates that Africa should add nearly 1 billion people by 2050, with the population rising from 1.5 billion to 2.5 billion. The report estimates that cities will absorb nearly 80% of this demographic growth.

Price Inflation Raises Questions About Model Sustainability

Despite their reputation as a low-cost alternative to cars, motorcycles continue to become more expensive in several African markets. Import dependence, exchange-rate volatility, global inflation and supply chain disruptions now push the prices of some new motorcycles close to entry-level car prices.

A 2023 report from Mali’s National Institute of Statistics showed prices ranging from CFA400,000 ($724) to CFA1.8 million. Mordor Intelligence reported that models priced below $1,000 captured 36.62% of the African market in 2025. The firm also projected a compound annual growth rate of 7.28% for models priced between $1,501 and $2,000 through 2031.

This trend highlights escalating costs that increasingly strain households and informal workers who rely on motorcycles for income. The trend also underscores the vulnerability of a highly externalized market, where value creation largely occurs outside the continent.

Congestion, Pollution and Road Safety Risks

Motorcycles can ease traffic flow on urban corridors, yet uncontrolled growth also contributes to congestion, especially during peak hours. In already saturated cities, interactions among motorcycles, cars and public transport systems complicate traffic management.

Environmental concerns add further pressure. Most motorcycles in circulation rely on older internal combustion engines that often fail to meet emissions standards. These vehicles contribute to air and noise pollution and exacerbate public health risks in cities already exposed to high particulate matter levels. Internal combustion engines accounted for 89.21% of market volume in 2025, while electric two-wheelers should grow at a compound annual rate of 9.21% through 2031.

Road safety remains another major challenge. Motorcycles account for a disproportionate share of traffic accidents due to rider vulnerability, weak enforcement of traffic laws, limited training and poor vehicle conditions. The World Health Organization reported that Africa accounted for 19% of global road traffic deaths in 2023.

Regulating Motorcycle Taxis Challenges City Authorities

In response, several African municipalities have introduced regulatory or restrictive measures targeting motorcycle taxis. Authorities in Abidjan, Lagos, Accra and Nairobi now require licenses, impose restricted zones or mandate training and safety equipment.

However, these measures collide with complex socio-economic realities. Abrupt bans often trigger social tensions and protests. As a result, policymakers increasingly frame the issue as a need for balanced regulation that reconciles road safety, traffic flow and economic inclusion.

Asian Manufacturers Dominate a Market With Limited Local Industry

Asian manufacturers continue to dominate Africa’s competitive two-wheel motorcycle market. Companies such as Bajaj, Honda, TVS, Haojue and Lifan benefit from early entry, strong brand recognition and established distribution networks.

Nigeria accounted for 42.61% of total import volumes in 2025, followed by Kenya and Ghana. Large urban markets and the central role of informal transport drive demand in these countries. Annual imports of motorcycles and spare parts generate significant financial outflows and weigh on trade balances.

Beyond urban challenges, the sector raises broader questions about Africa’s industrial autonomy. The industry absorbs substantial financial resources each year without generating significant local industrial returns. Spare parts markets remain active but occupy a secondary position in the value chain. Most local facilities focus on assembling imported kits, with limited integration of domestic components.

Some governments have begun to pursue more ambitious projects. In Egypt, a motorcycle manufacturing project involving TVS illustrates efforts to attract more structured industrial investment.

The outcome of these initiatives remains uncertain. The sector’s long-term impact will depend on whether such projects can build genuine manufacturing capacity, including product design, core component production and skills transfer.

This article was initially published in French by Henoc Dossa

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum