Insights into air cargo trends, challenges, and growth in Africa

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) data for January 2025 global air cargo markets shows the total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 3.2% compared to January 2024 levels (3.6% for international operations) for an 18th consecutive month of growth.

Last year airlines in Africa saw an 8.5% rise in air cargo demand. This year projected growth is slow, but promising, especially considering the changes and improvements in the infrastructure, expansion, technology integration, and process optimisation.

Africa's unique geographic position between Asia, Europe, and the Americas remains a valuable advantage, for this reason, multiple airports across the continent are developing centralised networks.

According to Peter Kerins, Nairobi is the busiest cargo airport in the continent, followed by Cairo and Johannesburg. Other important hubs are Addis Ababa, Casablanca, and Lagos.

One reason for the rising demand for air cargo in the continent is the rapidly expanding middle class. There is an increased need for cargo services for delivering international and higher-value goods, particularly in urban centers. Another is the rapid expansion of e-commerce. This market is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.46% from 2025 to 2029, reaching an estimated value of $56.03 billion by 2029. International e-commerce has created new demand for quick air freight services, as internet access increases and mobile shopping becomes more common.

“As a result, global e-commerce companies, such as Amazon, are entering the African market, while local platforms like Jumia and Takealot are expanding their operations. With the rise in online shopping, there is a greater need for efficient logistics solutions. Air cargo is preferred for high-value and time-sensitive goods,” says the CEO of Magma Aviation.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), consisting of 55 African Union member countries, works to improve intra-African trade by reducing trade barriers and coordinating regulations. It is expected that the initiative will increase the demand for air cargo services, simplifying the movement of goods across the continent.

Airports in Africa are ramping up investments in infrastructure to meet the rising demand for air cargo. For example, Cairo International Airport is amid a major expansion, which includes building a new terminal and upgrading its facilities, to become a key global aviation centre. Over the past few years, several African airports and distribution systems have seen significant upgrades, as numerous countries work to modernise their infrastructure to manage increasing demand and improve cargo processing efficiency.

Growing Trends of Cargo Shipments in African Air Cargo

The African air cargo sector is experiencing impressive growth in the export of cut flowers. Countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania are leading this expansion, with Kenya alone accounting for approximately 40% of all cut flowers sold in Europe.

Perishable goods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, and seafood, have become dominant in African air cargo shipments. Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Africa are major exporters of perishable goods, specifically to Europe and the Middle East. This has increased investment in refrigerated cargo facilities and cold chain coordination at African airports.

The transportation of pharmaceuticals, particularly vaccines, is growing in Africa as well. This also drives the need for improved cold chain logistics and several airports have upgraded their cargo facilities to support temperature-controlled storage and transport.

High-value goods like electronics, precious metals, and luxury items are a substantial part of African air freight, caused by increasing demand for products such as smartphones and laptops. Exporting precious metals and diamonds from countries like South Africa, Ghana, and Tanzania, further contributes to this demand.

In many African countries, elections require the timely delivery of materials such as voter registration documents, ballots, and voter education materials, often using air freight for remote areas. Currency shipments, including newly printed banknotes and coins, also rely on air freight for secure and timely delivery.

The Biggest Challenges Facing the Air Cargo Industry in Africa

One of the main challenges is high expenses, including cargo handling fees, high fuel costs, and freight taxes. Because of the elevated prices, the value proposition of air cargo services decreases, making it more challenging to maintain profitability.

Another issue is infrastructure. More than 50% of Africa’s airports lack sufficient cargo infrastructure. The deficient infrastructure obstructs the optimized movement of goods, resulting in delays, increased handling times, and potential damage to perishable goods.

Geopolitical instabilities also play a crucial role in the African air cargo industry, causing longer travel times and safety threats. “Political instability and regional conflicts, such as those in Sudan, can lead to airspace closures and longer travel times. Additionally, security risks like smuggling and threats to crew safety pose significant challenges to cargo operations,” explained Kerins.

To optimise goods movement, airports modernise cargo facilities. Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has undergone upgrades to improve cargo handling capabilities. Industry stakeholders are collaborating to expand connectivity and streamline operations.

“It is important for the industry to embrace advanced technologies, improving operational efficiency, safety, and compliance. This includes implementing digital platforms for cargo tracking and adopting automated systems for cargo handling,” adds Kerins.

Importance of Expansion and Development

In recent years, accommodating the growing demand for air freight, African airports and logistics infrastructure have notable developments, with many countries investing in their facilities. The expansion of airport terminals and cargo facilities is one of the key improvements in the African air cargo industry. Major airports like Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, and Lagos' Murtala Muhammed International Airport have undertaken wide-ranging renovations to improve their capacity for both passenger and cargo handling, such as construction of new cargo terminals, enhanced warehousing capabilities, and improved customs procedures.

Some airports are increasingly adopting automation and advanced technology in cargo handling, including automated sorting systems, elevated tracking systems for cargo, and better integration with supply chain management tools. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport has invested in specialised cold storage and handling facilities to cater to the growing demand for perishable goods, a vital aspect of Africa's export markets.

Airports should enhance intermodal transport links as well, such as road and rail connectivity, facilitating smoother cargo movement from airports to inland destinations. Additionally, there could be a stronger emphasis on fostering public-private partnerships to mobilise resources for upgrading facilities and improving service delivery.

Many African countries are investing in improving their port infrastructure, making sea freight more competitive in cost and capacity. This could challenge air freight, especially for bulk commodities and non-perishable goods, where cost-efficiency is essential.

“With better infrastructure and logistics solutions in place at African ports, sea freight could take a larger share of the cargo market, potentially reducing demand for air freight services, particularly in sectors where speed is less of a priority. As a result, the air cargo industry may face increasing pressure to adapt and innovate to maintain its competitive edge in these evolving market dynamics,” Kerins concluded.