The African air freight industry is steadily expanding its capabilities by attracting more investments and improving its effectiveness. The sector has undergone major changes since Magma Airlines, an innovative air cargo solutions company, began operations on the continent more than a decade ago. As the company's 15th anniversary approaches this year, Magma Aviation CEO Peter Kerins shares insights into Africa's ever-changing air freight industry.
Changes in cargo demand in Africa
International Air Transport Association (IATA) data for the global air freight market for January 2025 shows aggregate demand measured in freight tonne kilometres (CTK), an increase of 3.2% compared to January 2024 (3.6% of international business) due to its 18th consecutive month of growth.
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Last year, African airlines saw an 8.5% increase in air freight demand. The forecast growth this year will be slower, but it is promising, especially considering the changes and improvements in infrastructure, expansion, technology integration and process optimization.
Africa's unique geographical location between Asia, Europe and the Americas remains a valuable advantage. For this reason, multiple airports across the continent are developing centralized networks. According to Peter Kellin, Nairobi is the continent's busiest cargo airport, followed by Cairo and Johannesburg. Other important hubs are Addis Ababa, Casablanca and Lagos.
One reason for the increasing demand for air cargo on the continent is the rapidly expanding middle class. There is a growing need for freight services to provide international, high value goods, especially in urban centres. The other is the rapid expansion of e-commerce. The market is expected to grow at a combined annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.46% from 2025 to 2029, reaching an estimate of $56.03 billion by 2029. International e-commerce has created new demand for rapid air freight services as internet access increases and mobile shopping becomes more common.
“As a result, global e-commerce companies such as Amazon have entered the African market, while local platforms such as Jumia and Takealot are expanding. With the rise in online shopping, the need for efficient logistics solutions is growing. Magma CEO said:
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), which consists of 55 African Union members, works to improve intra-African trade by reducing trade barriers and adjustment regulations. The initiative is expected to increase demand for air freight services and simplify the movement of goods across the continent.
African airports are increasing their investment in infrastructure to meet the growing demand for air freight. Cairo International Airport, for example, is amid a major expansion that includes construction of new terminals and facility upgrades, making it a key global aviation centre. Over the past few years, several African airports and distribution systems have been significantly upgraded. This is because many countries modernize their infrastructure, manage increased demand and improve the efficiency of freight processing.
The rising trend in freight transport by air freight in Africa
The African Air Cargo sector has experienced impressive growth in the export of cut flowers. Countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania are leading this expansion, accounting for around 40% of all cut flowers sold in Europe in Kenya alone.
Perishable products such as fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers and seafood have become dominated by air freight transport in Africa. Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa are the leading exporters of perishable goods, particularly to Europe and the Middle East. This has led to an increase in investment in refrigerated cargo facilities and adjustments to cold chains at African airports.
Transporting medicines, especially vaccines, is also growing in Africa. This also promotes the need for improved cold chain logistics, with several airports being upgraded to cargo facilities to support temperature-controlled storage and transport.
High value products such as electronics, precious metals and luxury goods are the majority of African air freight caused by increased demand for products such as smartphones and laptops. Exporting precious metals and diamonds from countries such as South Africa, Ghana and Tanzania is further contributing to this demand.
In many African countries, elections require timely delivery of materials such as voter registration documents, voting and voter education materials, and often use air freight in remote locations. Currency cargo, including newly printed banknotes and coins, also rely on air cargo for safe and timely delivery.
The biggest challenges facing Africa's freight industry
One of the main challenges is high costs, such as freight handling fees, high fuel costs, and freight taxes. As prices rise, air freight services value propositions will decrease, making it more difficult to maintain profitability.
Another issue is infrastructure. Over 50% of African airports lack sufficient cargo infrastructure. Inadequate infrastructure can interfere with the optimized movement of products, resulting in delays, increased handling times and potential damage to perishable products.
Geopolitical instability also plays an important role in the African air freight industry, poses longer travel times and safety threats. “Political instability and local conflicts like Sudan can lead to airspace closures and longer travel times. Furthermore, security risks such as smuggling and threats to crew safety pose a major challenge to freight operations,” explains Peter Kelin.
To optimize the movement of goods, airports modernize cargo facilities. Nairobi's Jomokenyatta International Airport has undergone an upgrade to improve freight handling capabilities. Industry stakeholders work together to expand connectivity and streamline operations.
“It is important for the industry to embrace advanced technology and improve operational efficiency, safety and compliance. This includes implementing digital platforms for cargo tracking and adopting automated systems for cargo handling,” adds Peter Kerins.
The importance of expansion and development
Responding to the growing demand for air freight, African airports and logistics infrastructure in recent years, many countries have invested in facilities. The expansion of airport terminals and cargo facilities is one of the key improvements to the African Air Cargo Industry. Major airports such as Jomokenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Cape Town International Airport and Lagos Murtaramhammad International Airport have undergone extensive renovations to improve both passenger and cargo capacity, including construction of new cargo terminals, enhanced warehouse equipment in warehouses, and improved customary procedures.
Some airports are increasingly using automation and advanced technologies in cargo handling, including automated sorting systems, heights of tracking systems for cargo, and better integration with supply chain management tools. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport invests in specialized refrigeration and handling facilities to meet the growing demand for perishable goods, a key aspect of the African export market.
Airports should strengthen intermodal transport links, such as road and rail connectivity, and promote a smoother cargo movement from the airport to inland destinations. Additionally, there could be a strong focus on developing public-private partnerships to mobilize resources for facility upgrades and improved service delivery.
Many African countries are investing in improving port infrastructure, increasing the competitiveness of maritime freight costs and capacity. This can challenge air freight, especially for bulk and fresh products where cost-effectiveness is essential.
“With better infrastructure and logistics solutions in African ports, maritime freight could gain a larger share of the freight market, reducing the demand for air freight services, especially in sectors where speed is less priority. As a result, the air freight industry could pressure them to adapt and innovate to remain competitive in these evolving market dynamics,” said Magma Aviation CEO.
