Diaspora Trade, E-Commerce Boost Africa’s Air Cargo Growth

Africa has emerged as the fastest-growing air cargo market globally, with demand rising by 15.6 per cent year-on-year as of November 2025, driven largely by expanding diaspora trade and cross-border e-commerce activities, according to the African Shipping Outlook 2025 released by Topship.

The report showed that the continent outpaced all other global regions in air cargo demand growth, reflecting Africa’s increasing role in international trade and logistics.

According to the report, the surge has been fueled by rising export activities among micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), growing social commerce adoption, and stronger demand for African products from diaspora communities in countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.

It noted that African trade has evolved significantly from informal delivery systems dependent on personal luggage shipments into a more structured, technology-driven logistics ecosystem supported by digital shipping platforms and improved freight connectivity.

Nigeria remains a major driver of the growth trend. The country’s air freight market is projected to increase from $3 billion in 2024 to $5.6 billion by 2029, representing a compound annual growth rate of 13.54 percent.

The report attributed the expansion to the increased participation of Nigerian SMEs in international markets, particularly in the exports of fashion, beauty, food, and consumer goods.

Across the continent, businesses are increasingly leveraging digital tools and online platforms to reach customers directly in overseas markets, helping them bypass traditional export limitations.

Social commerce has also emerged as a key growth driver, with African social commerce expanding at an average annual rate of 51 per cent between 2021 and 2024. Fashion and apparel remain the dominant segment within the sector.

The report projected that Africa’s social commerce market would grow from $3.5 billion in 2024 to $9.4 billion by 2028, further strengthening demand for air cargo and logistics services.

In addition, Africa’s diaspora food trade corridor, particularly strong in Nigeria, is currently valued between $300 million and $500 million and is projected to continue growing at an annual rate of 10 to 12 per cent.

The beauty and personal care export segment is also gaining momentum, with an estimated export value expected to rise from about $1.2 billion currently to $2 billion by 2030.

The report further highlighted broader improvements in intra-African trade. Nigeria’s exports to other African countries reached N4.82 trillion in the first half of 2025, representing a 14 per cent year-on-year increase.

Industry analysts said the sharp increase in air cargo demand reflects Africa’s transition from a predominantly import-dependent market to an emerging export hub powered by digital commerce, diaspora demand, and improving logistics infrastructure.

Chief executive officer of Topship, Moses Enenwali, said the findings reflect the growing participation of African businesses in global trade, supported by more efficient and accessible shipping systems.

He noted that with air freight demand accelerating faster in Africa than in any other region, the continent’s role in global logistics and trade is expected to expand further in the coming years.