Africar Group is steering toward market dominance with its latest move: acquiring Koto.ci, Côte d’Ivoire’s top source for vehicle price benchmarks.
This acquisition marks a significant step in Africar Group’s mission to build a comprehensive digital automotive ecosystem that supports African consumers throughout the entire vehicle ownership lifecycle.
A Strategic Acquisition for a Pan-African Vision
Africar Group, backed by global automotive giant Stellantis, has been shaping the African used car market through AUTO24.africa, which operates in five key markets: Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, and Rwanda.
The acquisition of Koto.ci enhances this ecosystem by integrating a critical new vehicle pricing layer, enabling Africar to engage consumers at the earliest stage of their car-buying journey: research and comparison.
Koto.ci is a well-regarded platform in Côte d’Ivoire, providing transparent pricing and detailed information on new vehicles.
By incorporating Koto.ci’s capabilities, Africar Group can now offer a seamless experience, guiding consumers from initial research to purchasing, financing, insuring, and maintaining vehicles.
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This holistic approach positions Africar as a one-stop shop for automotive needs across the continent.
“We aim to support African car buyers throughout their entire journey, including from research and comparison to buying, financing, insuring, and now having full visibility on new car prices,” said Axel Peyriere, CEO of AUTO24.africa.
Why This Acquisition Matters
The African automotive market is undergoing a transformative phase, driven by rapid urbanisation, a growing middle class, and increasing digital penetration.
According to the World Economic Forum, Africa’s automotive industry is projected to grow from $21.07 billion in 2024 to $33.14 billion by 2033, at a compound annual growth rate of 5.16%.
South Africa alone accounts for 28.4% of this market, but emerging hubs like Morocco, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire are gaining traction.
Africar Group’s acquisition of Koto.ci taps into this growth by addressing a key gap in the market: access to reliable, transparent information for new car buyers.
While AUTO24.africa has built trust in the used car segment with features like warranties, 150-point inspections, and insurance options, Koto.ci’s expertise in new vehicle pricing complements this offering, creating a more comprehensive service portfolio.
This move also aligns with Africar’s broader strategy to leverage technology and partnerships to enhance the automotive experience.
With Stellantis as a major investor, Africar benefits from global expertise and resources, enabling it to scale rapidly and innovate within the African context.
The acquisition follows Africar’s earlier expansion into East Africa through the purchase of Tanzania’s Kupatana platform in January 2024, further solidifying its regional presence.
Enhancing the Customer Journey
The integration of Koto.ci into Africar Group’s ecosystem creates a seamless funnel for consumers.
Potential buyers can now start their journey by exploring new car prices on Koto.ci, transition to AUTO24.africa for certified pre-owned options, and access financing, insurance, and after-sales services, all within a single digital ecosystem.
This end-to-end approach not only enhances convenience but also builds trust in a market where transparency has historically been a challenge.
Africar’s focus on digital solutions is particularly relevant given Africa’s accelerating mobile and internet penetration.
The continent’s population is expected to reach 1.7 billion by 2030, with a car park already at 50 million units.
Platforms like AUTO24.africa and Koto.ci are well-positioned to capitalise on this growth, offering user-friendly, mobile-optimised interfaces that cater to a tech-savvy audience.
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What’s Next for Africar Group?
With operations in 45+ countries and a portfolio of over 50 automotive classifieds verticals, Africar Group is positioned for further expansion.
The company plans to enter additional markets in 2026, leveraging its partnerships with Stellantis and other stakeholders to introduce innovative services like extended warranties and comprehensive vehicle inspections.
The acquisition of Koto.ci is a clear signal that Africar is committed to leading the charge in Africa’s automotive revival.
With this strategic move, Africar Group is not only consolidating its position but also setting a new standard for what a digital automotive ecosystem can achieve in Africa.
For more insights into Africa’s booming automotive sector, stay tuned for updates on Africar Group’s continued expansion and impact.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
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