A U.S. car dealer is shipping a $3.7 million Bugatti Chiron to Nigeria, signaling the continued expansion of the luxury car market in Africa.
Mr. Jay, an American exotic car dealer, recently showcased the hypercar on Instagram before it was loaded onto a plane headed for Lagos. The exceptional black and blue Chiron, one of only 50 produced, is expected to be one of the first of its kind in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.
This isn’t the first time Mr. Jay has facilitated a high-profile sale to West Africa; he previously arranged the sale of a Bugatti to Abuja in 2020. His social media presence, with over 433,000 followers, has helped to publicize the growing appetite for exclusive supercars in African elite circles.
While Europe and North America have long been dominant in the luxury car industry, the African market is quickly growing. According to Statista, revenue from luxury car sales on the continent is expected to reach $499 million in 2024, with predictions of 5,000 high-end vehicles sold annually by 2029.
“The luxury car market in Africa is experiencing significant growth, driven by changing customer preferences, emerging trends, and local economic factors,” according to Statista. The increase in wealthy entrepreneurs and business leaders is fueling demand for status-symbol cars from brands like Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, and Lamborghini.
Beyond traditional luxury vehicles, there is also an increase in interest in hybrid and electric vehicles, reflecting worldwide trends toward sustainability. While hypercars such as the Chiron remain uncommon, Africa’s ultra-rich are demonstrating that they have the means—and the desire—to drive some of the most exclusive automobiles in the world.
