The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported a significant rise in African airlines’ cargo demand, which surged 9.4 percent in July 2025 compared to the same period last year.
This growth nearly doubled the global average of 5.5 percent, underscoring Africa’s strengthening role in international trade and air cargo operations.
However, despite the encouraging numbers, the continent faces a growing challenge: capacity constraints.
According to IATA, while demand for African carriers increased robustly, available cargo capacity dipped slightly by 0.1 percent, exposing a gap between rising volumes and the infrastructure needed to support them.
IATA’s Director-General, Willie Walsh, described Africa’s performance as a clear sign of resilience and opportunity.
“The 9.4 percent rise in demand, even with capacity contracting slightly, highlights the continent’s growing role in global cargo flows,” Walsh said.
This surge is largely driven by expanding intra-African trade, improved regional connectivity, and rising export-import activities with Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa are particularly seeing increased cargo volumes tied to e-commerce, perishable goods, and manufactured products.
Industry observers note that Africa’s progress mirrors the continent’s growing integration into global supply chains.
From agricultural exports like flowers and fresh produce to industrial shipments, African airlines are increasingly central to moving goods quickly across borders.
Globally, air cargo demand grew by 5.5 percent in July, with international operations expanding by 6.0 percent. In contrast, African airlines nearly doubled this figure, reflecting the unique resilience of the continent’s trade environment.
Here’s how other regions performed:
Asia-Pacific airlines: 11.1% growth, led by Europe–Asia trade lanes which saw 13.5% expansion, marking the 29th consecutive month of growth.
European carriers: 4.1% growth, supported by regional manufacturing exports.
Middle Eastern airlines: 2.6% increase, boosted by Gulf hub connectivity.
Latin American carriers: 2.4% increase.
North American carriers: weakest performance at just 0.7% growth, while capacity declined by 0.6%.
The divergence highlights how African and Asian markets are increasingly becoming the engines of global air cargo.
IATA explained that July’s cargo performance was shaped by wider global trade conditions. Goods trade grew 3.1 percent year-on-year in June, providing supportive momentum.
In addition, jet fuel prices dropped 9.1 percent compared to July 2024, offering airlines some relief, although prices rose 4.3 percent compared to June 2025.
Nevertheless, global manufacturing contracted in July, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) slipping to 49.66, below the 50 mark that signals expansion.
Export orders also remained subdued at 48.2, reflecting weakened business confidence.
Walsh warned that US trade policy shifts, including the expiry of de minimis exemptions for small shipments and increased import tariffs, are expected to weigh on transatlantic cargo.
However, he emphasized that Africa and Asia remain resilient markets, offering long-term opportunities.
The 9.4 percent surge in demand reveals significant opportunities for African airlines but also underscores pressing challenges:
Capacity Gaps: With demand outpacing available space, African carriers must invest in expanding fleets and upgrading cargo handling infrastructure.
Infrastructure Development: Airports across Africa still face bottlenecks in warehousing, cold chain logistics, and digital tracking systems.
Regional Integration: Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could further boost cargo flows, but harmonized policies and efficient border management are essential.
Technology and Digitalization: Adoption of advanced cargo tracking, e-freight systems, and AI-driven logistics could position African airlines as competitive players globally.
Industry experts believe Africa’s strong cargo growth is not an isolated event but a reflection of the continent’s evolving economic landscape.
With rising demand for agricultural exports, e-commerce, and cross-border trade, African airlines could strengthen their position in global air logistics.
However, to sustain this growth, governments and airlines will need to work closely to expand infrastructure, improve regulatory environments, and foster regional cooperation.
Walsh concluded:
“While much attention is on US-related trade lanes, it is important to keep perspective. Africa and Asia are demonstrating resilience, and Europe–Asia remains a powerhouse for global cargo.”
As the aviation industry adapts to shifting trade flows, Africa’s cargo momentum could prove to be a defining factor in shaping the future of global supply chains.