Africa’s unique geographic position between Asia, Europe, and the Americas remains a valuable advantage for air cargo. Considering the changes and improvements in the infrastructure, expansion, technology integration, and process optimization, the future holds promise for air cargo in the continent.
Recently, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global body that represents, leads and serves the airline industry, called on governments and industry to remain focused on delivering the fundamental expectations of customers — safety and security, digitalisation and sustainability. To meet customer expectations and navigate an increasingly complex environment, the air cargo industry must continuously strengthen safety and security, fast-track digitalisation, and deliver on its sustainability commitments, it said.
In a recent report by IATA, the aviation industry’s air cargo demand, measured in Cargo-Tonne-Kilometers (CTK), climbed 4.4 percent YoY in March. It stated further that air cargo demand grew across most regions in March 2025. Asia Pacific led the growth with a 9.3 percent increase, followed by Latin America and the Caribbean at 5.6 percent. North American carriers rebounded from a decline (1.3%) in February to achieve a growth rate of 3.7 percent. European airlines experienced a 4.4 percent increase.
The report pointed out that carriers in the Middle East and Africa faced ongoing challenges for the third consecutive month. The Middle East recorded its smallest decline so far at 3.3 percent, while Africa saw its sharpest drop at 13.4 percent.
The Middle East and Africa regions are experiencing the effect of a strong 2024, which suggests that 2025 will be a challenging year, says IATA. So Africa’s strategy to grow air cargo will be hinged on improving efficiency, visibility, and data quality for cargo operations.
The African air cargo industry faces several challenges that hinder its growth and efficiency, namely, high expenses as cargo handling fees, high fuel costs, and freight taxes decrease the value proposition of air cargo services, making it challenging to maintain profitability.
Insufficient cargo infrastructure, leading to delays, increased handling times, and potential damage to perishable goods. Political instability and regional conflicts can cause airspace closures, longer travel times, and safety threats, posing significant challenges to cargo operations.
The industry needs to adopt advanced technologies, such as digital platforms for cargo tracking and automated systems for cargo handling, to improve operational efficiency, safety, and compliance. Leveraging technology will give the industry significant mileage in improving on air cargo in Africa.
The prospects for growth in air cargo are encouraging on the back of an expanding middle class leading to increased demand for cargo services for delivering international and higher-value goods, particularly in urban centers. Another is E-commerce Growth which has resulted in rapid expansion of e-commerce, anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.46 percent from 2025 to 2029, reaching an estimated value of $56.03 billion by 2029. Then there is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that is expected to increase demand for air cargo services by reducing trade barriers and coordinating regulations.
In meeting the needs of air cargo customers, IATA points out that safety is the top priority for air transport and in the case of air cargo the specific focus is on the safe transport of lithium batteries. Shipments of lithium batteries, it says, are growing in volume. With that comes increased risks associated with undeclared or mis-declared goods.
Security is another need of air cargo customers and IATA points out that a coordinated, risk-based approach to air cargo security is needed following recent incidents involving incendiary devices concealed in shipments. It stressed the importance of harmonised responses based on global standards.
With respect to digitalisation, IATA pointed out the central role of ONE Record as the industry’s standard for end-to-end digital data exchange, supporting improved efficiency, compliance, and transparency. The industry’s goal is clear, it further stated: by January 2026, ONE Record will become the preferred method of sharing data.
IATA’s ONE Record initiative aims to revolutionise air cargo data exchange by introducing a standardised, digital approach. Here, data owners maintain control over their information, reducing errors and inconsistencies. Stakeholders can access relevant shipment data, promoting smoother logistics and transportation. ONE Record facilitates direct connectivity between industry stakeholders, enabling new cooperative IT solutions and innovations. It creates a foundation for true digital air cargo, allowing for collaborative and automated digital services.
In meeting the need of customers for sustainability, IATA points out that the air cargo industry continues to embed sustainability into its operations, with growing efforts to reduce waste, implement circular practices, and phase out single-use plastics. It also highlighted the fact that progress is also being made on the sector’s largest environmental challenge — reducing carbon emissions.
The air cargo industry is working towards full implementation of ONE Record by January 1, 2026. While challenges exist, the potential benefits of improved efficiency, visibility, and data quality make it an exciting development for the industry.
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