Europe’s truck-driver shortage is driving a new EU-backed project to train and move African drivers into European jobs. Could South African truckers be next in line?
For years, South African drivers going overseas has been handled by individual recruiters.
That may be changing.
Europe is now looking beyond its borders in a more structured way, moving from simple job ads to organised recruitment pipelines.
A new EU-supported initiative is building a formal pathway between Africa and Europe — and while South Africa is not included yet, the direction is clear.
Europe’s growing driver crisis
Europe is short of drivers.
IRU data shows around 502,000 unfilled truck-driver roles in 2025, about 13% of demand.
The problem is worsening as 20% of drivers near retirement and too few young people enter the industry.
Two-thirds of operators are already turning down work due to shortages, making recruitment a top priority.
From hiring to a structured pipeline
The EU’s Skilled Driver Mobility for Europe II (SDM4EU II) project, launched in 2026, is training 600 drivers in Egypt and Morocco.
Of these, 200 will be prepared for jobs in Europe — Romania and Italy.
But this is not traditional recruitment.
It includes:
– selection and screening
– technical and language training
– employer matching
– visa and legal support
– relocation and integration
In short, Europe is building a full driver pipeline from Africa to Europe.
South Africa already on Europe’s radar
South Africa has been mentioned in previous European logistics reports alongside Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana as a source of skilled drivers.
Read | Germany Moves to Fast-Track Foreign Truck Drivers as Shortage Bites Hard
English proficiency, long-distance experience and familiarity with modern trucks make Southern African drivers attractive to European firms.
Recent industry reports also show growing recruitment interest from Africa, including South Africa, with pre-move training and screening now common.
Could South Africa join next?
The current EU pilot focuses only on Egypt and Morocco.
There is no official South African inclusion yet.
However, the model itself is the key development.
If successful, it could easily expand to other regions — including Southern Africa.
What South African drivers offer
South African Code 14 drivers bring:
– long-haul experience
– heavy vehicle skills
– English communication ability
– exposure to global truck brands
But they would still need EU licence recognition, training alignment and immigration approval — which is why structured pipelines matter.
The risk for South Africa
If Europe scales up recruitment, South Africa could lose experienced drivers to better-paid, structured overseas roles.
For drivers, it’s opportunity.
For local transport companies, it could deepen shortages.
Europe is building a global recruitment system
What’s emerging is not random hiring — but a coordinated system to:
find → train → match → relocate → retain drivers
If expanded, it could reshape global trucking labour flows.
Would South African drivers go?
If offered a legal pathway, proper contract and relocation support, many drivers would consider it.
Others would not leave home.
But the trend is clear:
Europe is no longer just hiring drivers — it is building systems to produce them globally.
And South Africa may eventually be part of that system.
Would you take a structured truck-driving job in Europe if it was offered?
The latest SA Trucking News straight to your inbox!
