Lagos has emerged as a major hub for South African Airways Cargo (SAA Cargo), contributing a significant 24 per cent of the airline’s global business, according to its management. The revelation underscores Nigeria’s increasing role in regional and international aviation logistics.
Speaking at the SAA Cargo Customer Engagement Forum in Lagos on Wednesday, the airline’s Worldwide Cargo Manager, Mr. Kekeletso Mokwena, expressed gratitude to Nigerian cargo agents for their consistent performance and support, which has positioned Lagos as one of SAA’s most important routes.
Mokwena noted that despite global economic headwinds, cargo operations from Nigeria have remained strong. He said:
“It is encouraging to note that since our last visit to Nigeria two years ago, the market performance has remained strong.
The Lagos route now contributes approximately 24 per cent to SAA Cargo’s overall business.
This is a testament to the resilience and reliability of Nigerian cargo agents.”
He further hinted at plans to increase flight frequencies to Lagos as demand continues to rise.
According to him, “As soon as we acquire additional aircraft, SAA aims to introduce daily services to Lagos to accommodate the growing demand for cargo transportation.”
The Lagos forum also served as a platform to honour top-performing cargo agents for the 2024/2025 financial year.
DHL emerged as the Platinum Agent of the Year, while Yomex, Bashod, and Adayokin were recognised for their outstanding performance.
Other winners, including Say Mighty, Samwise, Passmark, and Pelujo, received Gold Awards for their contributions.
SAA Nigeria Country Manager, Mrs. Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, praised the agents for their dedication, while Mrs. Nontobeko Mohube, Regional Africa Sales Specialist at SAA Cargo, highlighted their 100 per cent compliance with international cargo standards, particularly in declaration and packaging.
Despite the growth in cargo business, Nigerian agents raised concerns about the lack of direct SAA cargo flights to Europe.
Responding, Mokwena explained that the delay was due to the airline’s strategy of sustainable expansion but assured stakeholders that plans to reinstate direct European routes are underway.
Currently, SAA relies on interline agreements with major international carriers, routing cargo via hubs such as Amsterdam to ensure connectivity between Africa and Europe.
Mokwena also revealed that SAA, which resumed operations in 2021 with six destinations, now serves 17 global routes and has announced a direct service between Cape Town and Mauritius starting December 2025.
The airline operates Airbus A330-300 aircraft for long-haul cargo—capable of carrying up to 15 tonnes—alongside its A320 fleet for regional operations.
Industry experts at the forum stressed that Lagos’ contribution to SAA’s growth is proof of Nigeria’s untapped potential in aviation logistics.
Mr. Sulyman Akinwande, General Manager of Sky Logistics Cargo Limited, encouraged Nigerian agents to intensify their efforts, stressing that the country could attract more foreign airlines and strengthen its position as West Africa’s leading cargo hub.
The forum also saw participation from Mrs. Alice Katiti, Acting CEO of GHI Assets (SAA’s parent company), and Mr. Donald Adekunle, General Manager: Cargo at Skyway Aviation Handling Company, who both pledged support for scaling operations in Nigeria.
With Nigeria accounting for nearly a quarter of SAA Cargo’s global business, industry stakeholders believe the country can drive the airline’s expansion across Africa and beyond.
The prospect of daily Lagos flights and direct European routes could further enhance trade, improve cargo turnaround times, and cement Lagos as a continental logistics powerhouse.
As aviation in Africa continues to recover from post-pandemic shocks, Nigeria’s cargo market is positioning itself as a strategic enabler of global trade, offering opportunities not just for airlines but also for local businesses seeking efficient access to international markets.