Nigeria, Africa Drive Global Shipping Growth As MSMEs Scale Exports

Nigeria and the broader African continent are emerging as key drivers of global shipping growth, powered by a new wave of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) scaling exports through digital platforms and improved logistics infrastructure.

This is according to the African Shipping Outlook 2025 released by Topship, which highlights a structural transformation in how African businesses access international markets, shifting from informal trade channels to more organised, technology-enabled logistics systems.

The report projects that Nigeria’s air freight market will grow significantly from $3 billion in 2024 to $5.6 billion by 2029, representing one of the fastest growth rates globally with a compound annual growth rate of 13.54 per cent.

This expansion is being driven largely by small businesses leveraging social commerce and cross-border e-commerce to reach customers in major global cities such as London, New York and Houston.

Across the continent, Africa recorded a 15.6 per cent year-on-year increase in air cargo demand as of November 2025, the highest growth rate of any region globally.

Analysts attribute this surge to rising export activity among MSMEs, increasing diaspora demand, and improved access to digital tools that simplify international shipping.

The report notes that what was once an informal system, where goods were transported through personal networks and unstructured channels, has evolved into a more sophisticated logistics ecosystem.

Today, businesses are able to access real-time shipping rates, automated documentation, and end-to-end tracking through integrated digital platforms.

Nigeria remains central to this shift. The country’s exports to other African nations rose to N4.82 trillion in the first half of 2025, marking a 14 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

This growth reflects stronger intra-African trade ties and the gradual impact of frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

MSMEs are at the heart of this transformation. Entrepreneurs in sectors such as fashion, beauty, food, and consumer goods are increasingly building international customer bases without relying on traditional export infrastructure.

Social media platforms and online marketplaces have become critical sales channels, enabling direct-to-consumer trade at scale.

The report shows that African social commerce grew by 51 per cent annually between 2021 and 2024, with fashion and apparel leading the surge. The sector is projected to expand from $3.5 billion in 2024 to $9.4 billion by 2028.

Similarly, the diaspora food market, particularly from Nigeria, is currently valued between $300 million and $500 million and continues to grow steadily.

Beauty and personal care exports are also gaining traction, with the market estimated between $800 million and $1.2 billion and expected to reach $2 billion by 2030.

Meanwhile, Africa’s mobile-first economy, supported by over 650 million smartphones, is sustaining demand for consumer electronics and other digital-driven trade.

Industry stakeholders say the momentum reflects a deeper shift in global trade patterns, where emerging markets are no longer just consumption hubs but active export engines.

Chief executive officer and co-founder of Topship, Moses Enenwali, noted that the data validates trends already visible across the continent.

He said African businesses are increasingly taking ownership of global trade opportunities, supported by technology that removes traditional barriers to entry.

Logistics providers are also responding to the opportunity. Investments into Africa’s shipping and trade infrastructure have continued to rise, with major global players expanding their footprint in the region amid expectations of sustained growth.

As MSMEs continue to scale operations and tap into international demand, analysts believe Africa’s role in global shipping will deepen further, positioning the continent as a critical node in the future of cross-border trade.