Africa’s Air Cargo Demand Leads Globally with 15.6% Growth – Report

Africa has recorded the fastest air cargo growth globally, with demand rising by 15.6 per cent year-on-year as of November 2025, according to the African Shipping Outlook 2025 released by Topship.

The surge positions the continent ahead of other global regions, underscoring its growing importance in international logistics and trade flows.

The report attributes the strong performance to expanding export activity among micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), rising cross-border e-commerce, and increased diaspora-driven demand for African goods in markets such as the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.

It shows that what was once largely informal trade, often dependent on personal luggage shipments and unstructured delivery networks, has rapidly evolved into a more organised, technology-driven logistics ecosystem.

Digital shipping platforms, improved air freight connectivity, and the growth of social commerce have all contributed to the expansion.

Nigeria remains a central contributor to this trend. The country’s air freight market is projected to grow from $3 billion in 2024 to $5.6 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 13.54 per cent, among the highest globally.

This growth is being driven by increasing participation of SMEs in export markets, particularly in fashion, beauty, food, and consumer goods.

Across the continent, MSMEs are leveraging digital tools and online platforms to reach international customers directly. Social commerce has become a key enabler, allowing small businesses to bypass traditional export barriers and connect with buyers in real time.

The report notes that African social commerce expanded by an average of 51 per cent annually between 2021 and 2024, with fashion and apparel emerging as the dominant category.

This momentum is expected to continue, with the sector projected to grow from $3.5 billion in 2024 to $9.4 billion by 2028.

In addition, Africa’s diaspora food trade corridor, particularly strong in Nigeria, is currently valued between $300 million and $500 million and continues to expand at an estimated 10 to 12 per cent annually.

The beauty and personal care sector is also gaining traction, with export value estimated at up to $1.2 billion and projected to reach $2 billion by 2030.

The report also highlights broader structural shifts in African trade. In the first half of 2025, Nigeria’s exports to other African countries reached N4.82 trillion, representing a 14 per cent year-on-year increase, reflecting stronger intra-African trade under evolving continental trade frameworks.

Industry observers say the 15.6 per cent surge in air cargo demand reflects a deeper transformation in Africa’s trade profile, from a primarily import-dependent region to a rising export hub supported by digital commerce and improved logistics infrastructure.

Chief executive officer of Topship, Moses Enenwali, said the data confirms what is already visible across markets, noting that African businesses are increasingly participating in global trade at scale, supported by more accessible and efficient shipping systems.

With demand for air freight accelerating faster than any other region globally, analysts expect Africa’s role in global logistics to continue expanding, driven largely by MSME exports and the ongoing digitisation of trade.