I guess the reason is there are a lot of surplus Land Cruisers in Africa after mining corp/military/NGOs retire them.
Huh? That's a puzzling extrapolation. Hardly the reason in Nigeria, since it's just one country and not all of Africa the continent. Each market is different of course, just like China, Malaysia, and Japan vary. Toyotas are officially sold there and have been since the 1960s, so I'm not sure about that one.
I am referring to the buying demographics of Prado being much *higher* than the also locally sold and cheaper Fortuner, which is unlike Asian, or other African countries that actually do/did have foreign military presence/NGOs/mining companies within them to make a dent via used units.
Most over there would rather have a secondhand Prado 120 or J150 over a new Fortuner if not wanting/able to spend more Naira/USD or deal with depreciation on a new Prado. I had believed the Fortuner was supposed to be for those who can't afford anything LC, but it doesn't work as I expected.
The Fortuner seems to do better in other markets from my observation, but why? Such groups you listed, are not the ones in parts of West Africa buying civilian spec, non-armored Prados. Except for maybe oil & gas companies that want a bit more comfort, without armoring cost.
It just reminds me of how the GX is not as well received as the globally more popular LX. Therefore I never really understood the purpose of Fortuner at times.
It does very well in mostly parts of Asia, South Africa and Kenya, but not in Nigeria, where people go for the cheapest Prado instead or gray import 4Runner. I only see early 1st gen Fortuners driven by "middle class" (small middle class).
I just find it silly how a good cost savings proposition exists in the Fortuner, yet many people prefer the Land Cruiser badge above all. I guess Fortuner mostly exists for countries with strict regulations and/or narrow roads.