Improved cargo facilities and digital solutions allow Africa to unlock aircraft possibilities and address its infrastructure challenges.
Africa stands at an important point in the rapidly evolving world air cargo landscape. The continent is strategically placed among major global markets and is supported by increasing economic potential, and the continent offers a great opportunity for air freight expansion. According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), African Airlines rose 8.5% year-on-year in 2024, with capacity increasing by 13.6% year-on-year.
However, challenges in infrastructure, technology adoption and regulatory frameworks continue to hinder growth in many regions.
Current state and challenges of air cargo infrastructure
Africa's air cargo infrastructure presents complex photographs throughout the continent. Hubs like Nairobi's Jomokenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Ethiopia's Addis Abababor International Airport have made significant advances in the development of modern facilities, but many airports on the continent still operate with limited or aging infrastructure. Kenya in particular has emerged as a strategic air cargo hub in East Africa. The country's powerful agricultural exports, flowers, vegetables and herbs, together with the drugs and the rapidly growing e-commerce sector, drive significant investments in cargo processing infrastructure.
In 2023, Kenya's airport processed 380,000 tonnes of air freight, contributing to the country's overall imports and export volumes, according to IATA data.
“Kenya's airport infrastructure has been significantly improved, especially with modern cargo warehouses that meet international standards such as IATA CEIV Pharma and Fresh. Swissport's 10,400 square meters of warehouse have a handling capacity of over 150,000 tonnes per year, ensuring support for the sector's growing demand.
However, this level of development is not uniform across the continent. “There are few airports with Africa's latest cargo infrastructure,” said David Ambridge, freight and email director at Taag Angola Airlines.
Aging airport infrastructure remains a critical issue, increasing operating costs as businesses have to invest heavily in equipment and talent to compensate for inefficiencies. ”
Racheal Ndegwa, Swissport Kenya
One of the most important bottlenecks in Africa's air freight operations remains an outdated customs process. “One of the biggest challenges is that almost every customs authority relies on paper rather than digital, which means that customs clearancers at most airports are very slow,” adds Umbridge.
This reliance on manual documents creates delays, increases the risk of errors, and hampers the seamless flow of products essential to today's fast-paced global supply chains. The cost of doing business presents another big hurdle. “The airport rates are high, the handling costs are high, and the service is very average,” Umbridge said. These rising costs are often a direct result of infrastructure inefficiency, creating a difficult environment for air freight stakeholders to make profits.
While certain hubs have improved warehouse capacity, the apron infrastructure is problematic. “The apron infrastructure remains a major bottleneck, with space-limited space causing congestion and delays. The expansion and maintenance of the apron area is important along with the necessary upgrades to runways and taxis. Ndegwa said:
This constraint affects aircraft turnaround times and operational efficiency, creating ripple effects across the air freight supply chain. Many of Africa's airport infrastructures have been developed decades ago and do not meet increased cargo volumes or changes in specialty cargo requirements. Ndegwa points out that “aged airport infrastructure remains a critical issue and increased operating costs as businesses must invest heavily in equipment and talent to compensate for inefficiencies.”
Retaining qualified personnel represents another challenge, with Ndegwa pointing out as “loss of skilled talent for other markets” as an important concern. Without experienced professionals operating increasingly sophisticated cargo handling systems, the benefits of infrastructure investment cannot be fully realized.
Technological innovation that promotes progress
Despite these challenges, technological innovation is gradually transforming the air freight business across Africa. Leading freight handlers and airlines implement digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency, transparency and security. Swissport is at the forefront of this digital transformation. “Swissport is collaborating with Champ.aero, known as Cargospot-Neo, to implement a new departure control system. This revolutionizes how it can be processed on aircraft and improve efficiency and traceability capabilities for customers (FOW) and warehouse cargo (FIW). This provides cargo carriers and agents with cargo visibility and timelines for valuables, time and temperature sensitive products, particularly important processes, special cargo,” says Ndegwa.
“This is being added to mobile applications using smart digital handheld terminals that are in the process of implementation across the freight network,” adds Ndegwa.
The widespread adoption of such mobile technologies enhances operational flexibility and real-time data capture across Africa's freight operations.
Weight accuracy is important for air cargo operations and affects both safety and commercial aspects. Recognizing this, Swissport “implements an integrated metering solution (IWS), which is an integrated metering tool in the departure control system, reducing weight discrepancies and creating efficiency in the cargo metering process.”
Airlines also employ digital platforms to increase customer service and operational visibility. Ambridge said, “Having the visibility and accessibility of a digital platform is important for TAAG. It also appears on freight, freight and other digital platforms through its own web portal, cargo spot portal, and general sales and service agents (GSSA).
The integration of these various technical solutions creates a more connected and efficient air cargo ecosystem. However, the uneven pace of technology adoption across different regions and stakeholders remains a challenge.
Image: Taag Angola Airlines
Investment Models and Growth Opportunities
Addressing the challenges of Africa's air freight infrastructure often requires considerable investment beyond what individual companies and governments can offer. Various models have emerged to promote this development. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are becoming increasingly important for the development of airport infrastructure. “In recent years, some governments have been actively seeking funds to improve airport infrastructure, either through loans or through public-private partnership (PPP) and build operations transfer (BOT) models,” Ndegwa said. These partnerships leverage private sector expertise and capital to align with public sector development goals.
An innovative approach to infrastructure development involves long-term land leases at airports. “One successful approach is leasing land at the airport for concession period to develop warehouses, a model that has greatly strengthened Kenya's specialized infrastructure.”
This model allows private operators to invest in custom built facilities while ensuring long-term operational rights. Investing in specialized infrastructure is particularly important for the high value freight segment. “Investments in cold chain facilities, vacuum coolers and automated cargo handling systems have improved handling of fresh goods and medicines,” Ndegwa said.
The high costs of doing business in Africa are important. Airport rates are high, handling costs are rising, and services are often average. ”
David Umbridge, TAAG Angola Airlines
In September 2024, Menzies Airlines launched a new cargo facility at Maputo International Airport (MPM) in Mozambique, indicating a significant expansion of its operations in Africa. The facility allows Menzies to provide high-quality, efficient and secure cargo handling services to airline partners, including launch customers Airlink and Qatar Airways.
Beyond basic cargo handling, the possibilities for value-added services such as integrated cargo solutions and last mile delivery are increasing. Its powerful agricultural bases have great potential in Africa in its perishable export markets. In an interview with Stat Trade Times at this year's Air Cargo Africa event in Nairobi, Fresh Flow Logistics CEO Jessie Brar-Patel spoke about Kenya flowers and the Perishables Market. She said, “Our road infrastructure is much better than before. Many growers are now investing in the farm's extensive cool chain systems and cold storage facilities.
Continuing investment in cold chain infrastructure could unlock further growth for this sector. Companies like Swissport have already set up specialist facilities such as the “Flower Corridor of Swissport.” This is a cold chain innovation that has changed the transport of fresh flowers from Nairobi to major markets in Europe, the Middle East and the Far East.
The rapid growth of e-commerce across Africa is creating new opportunities for air freight operators. The continent is expected to surpass 500 million e-commerce users by 2025, according to data from the International Trade Bureau. In Kenya, for example, Ndegwa said: “Major growth opportunities include expanding e-commerce logistics, developing secondary airports (Mombasa, Eldoret, Isioro, Kismoo), and strengthening value-added services such as integrated freight solutions and last mile delivery.”
Collaboration: Advances in Africa's Air Cargo
A collaborative approach between all stakeholders is needed to address the challenges of Africa's air cargo infrastructure. “Collaboration is crucial for the growth and success of air cargo in the region. The strong connection between logistics service providers, airlines and governments is key to overcoming industry challenges that cannot be addressed by a single entity alone.
For example, e-commerce offers a great opportunity to bridge the gap between manufacturers and consumers. Logistics service providers working closely with customers are well suited to relay industry needs to policy makers and fostering improved service delivery, regulatory frameworks and overall customer experience,” stressed NDEGWA.
This recognition of the need for partnerships across the air cargo ecosystem is increasingly shaping the industry's approach to infrastructure development and operational improvement.
Current fragmentation of regulatory frameworks in various countries creates unnecessary complexity and inefficiency for cross-border air freight operations. A more harmonious approach that is potentially promoted through local economic communities, such as East African communities and economic communities in West African countries, can significantly improve operational efficiency.
While individual companies implement their own digital solutions, greater industry-wide standardization increases interoperability and efficiency.
The path forward will require sustained investment, innovative thinking, and close cooperation between all stakeholders. Those who navigate these challenges well will be well placed to exploit Africa's growing role in global trade and commerce decades ago.
