Africa is undergoing rapid growth in infrastructure development, mining, agriculture, and logistics.
This surge in activity has created a huge demand for used heavy equipment, from excavators and bulldozers to cranes and loaders. Importers and contractors are constantly looking for affordable, reliable, and readily available machinery.
Fortunately, several international and regional suppliers specialize in exporting used equipment to Africa.
Below is a comprehensive guide to the top exporters meeting Africa’s demand for second-hand machinery.
1. Marks Heavy Equipment (South Africa / Dubai)
Trusted brand exporter since 1988
Marks Heavy Equipment is one of the most reputable exporters, with bases in South Africa and Dubai. The company deals in premium brands such as Caterpillar, JCB, Komatsu, Liebherr, Tadano, Grove, and Kawasaki.
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Exports 350+ earth-moving machines annually
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Strong presence in Asia, the Middle East, and African markets
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Focuses on quality inspections, ensuring machines arrive in working condition
Why African buyers choose Marks Heavy Equipment:
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Wide range of stock including excavators, loaders, and cranes
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Reliable logistics network covering East, West, and Southern Africa
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Competitive prices compared to new equipment
Best for: Contractors in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania looking for affordable Caterpillar or Komatsu machines.
2. Equipment Africa Ltd (UK–Belgium)
European hub for quick delivery
Equipment Africa Ltd operates out of the UK with a stockyard in Belgium, making it a strategic gateway for African importers. The company specializes in low-hour, high-quality used machinery, offering services such as:
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Asset valuation and liquidation
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Equipment inspections
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Full shipping and logistics coordination
Why African buyers trust Equipment Africa Ltd:
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Access to EU-based used stock that meets high standards
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Speedy shipment to ports like Mombasa, Lagos, Tema, and Durban
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Professional handling for banks, contractors, and resellers
Best for: Buyers seeking European-quality used machines and reliable transport into East and West Africa.
3. Pacific Coast Iron (USA)
American heavy equipment broker with global reach
Pacific Coast Iron (PCI) is a U.S.-based equipment broker with strong experience in shipping heavy machinery to Africa. They source late-model used machines and support African buyers with end-to-end solutions.
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Ships to Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Zambia, and Chad
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Provides financing support for shipping costs
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Offers excavators, cranes, bulldozers, and trucks
Why African buyers prefer PCI:
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Access to reliable U.S.-made equipment
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Seamless buying process with customs/shipping assistance
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Financing support eases import challenges
Best for: Contractors in West and North Africa looking for high-quality U.S. machinery.
4. Arabian Jerusalem Equipment Trading & World Wide Auctioneers (UAE)
Dubai’s export and auction hubs
The UAE has positioned itself as a key re-export hub for heavy equipment into Africa. Two major players are Arabian Jerusalem Equipment Trading Co. and World Wide Auctioneers.
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Arabian Jerusalem reported a 30% growth in African sales, especially for excavators and backhoes
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World Wide Auctioneers has exported tower cranes to Mauritania, general equipment to Djibouti, and agricultural/construction machinery worth over $400,000 to Equatorial Guinea
Why African buyers look to Dubai:
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Large auction stock with competitive prices
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Access to nearly-new Caterpillars, cranes, and other construction gear
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Close shipping proximity to East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda)
Best for: Buyers in East Africa sourcing newer Caterpillars, cranes, and affordable auction equipment.
5. South Africa’s Export Dominance in Lifting & Handling Machinery
Africa’s largest intra-continental supplier
Beyond individual companies, South Africa remains Africa’s largest exporter of lifting, loading, and unloading machinery.
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Accounts for 95% of Africa’s machinery export volume (≈42,000 units annually)
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Represents 73% of total export value ($30M)
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Angola is the second-largest market, but far behind
Why South Africa leads:
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Established mining and construction industry
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Mature network of equipment resellers
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Cost-effective logistics for landlocked African countries
Best for: Contractors in Southern and Central Africa seeking loaders, forklifts, and lifting machinery.
Final Thoughts
Africa’s rapid infrastructure and mining growth continues to fuel demand for affordable, reliable, and readily available used equipment. Whether sourcing from Dubai’s auction houses, South Africa’s export hubs, Europe’s stockyards, or U.S. brokers, African contractors have multiple channels to choose from.
For buyers, the key is to:
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Work with established exporters with proven track records
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Compare shipping routes and costs before purchase
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Focus on suppliers offering inspection, warranty, and after-sales support
With the right exporter, African businesses can secure world-class machinery at cost-effective prices, ensuring projects run efficiently and profitably.
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