When most people think about aviation, they imagine passengers boarding planes, business travellers in transit, or families reuniting. They rarely consider what lies beneath—the tonnes of goods moving silently in the belly of aircraft, powering global trade and driving economic transformation.
But the numbers tell a compelling story. According to Boeing’s World Air Cargo Forecast (WACF) 2022–2041—a biennial addendum to the Commercial Market Outlook—air cargo represents less than 1% of total trade volume, yet accounts for over 35% of global trade by value. Still, the sector’s strategic importance often remains underappreciated.
Africa’s aspirations—whether through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), food security initiatives, or digital transformation agendas—rely heavily on the efficient and rapid movement of goods. Air cargo, therefore, is not merely a logistics function; it is the lifeblood of modern commerce, a vital trade enabler, and an economic equalizer.
In a continent where road transport can be slow or unreliable and maritime routes often bypass critical inland markets, air cargo offers a crucial bridge to regional and global supply chains. It connects farmers to export markets, empowers SMEs through e-commerce, and integrates manufacturers into just-in-time global production systems—turning geographic distance into a competitive advantage.
From Nairobi to Amsterdam, from Accra to Guangzhou, freighters and aircraft operated by carriers like Kenya Airways serve as conduits of possibility—not just for people, but for goods. Think of fresh flowers from Naivasha reaching European florists in under 24 hours, life-saving pharmaceuticals transported with precision across the continent, or emergency medical supplies delivered at critical moments.
In 2024, African carriers recorded an 8.5% increase in cargo volumes, with capacity expanding by 13.6%, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This growth was largely driven by agricultural exports, particularly perishables. As fresh produce powers this surge, air cargo’s vital role in Africa’s economic narrative deserves a front-row seat.
To meet the rising demand for cargo services across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, Kenya Airways expanded its cargo operations in the past year. This included adding two Boeing 737-800 freighters and investing in infrastructure such as a Pharma cold room certified by IATA’s CEIV program, and a state-of-the-art cold storage facility for perishables. These strategic moves boosted cargo capacity by 25% and expanded the airline’s reach to key destinations including the Middle East, India, Eldoret (Kenya), and several West African cities.
However, realizing the full potential of air cargo in Africa requires a unified effort. Governments, regulators, and private sector players must collaborate to prioritize its development. This includes investing in airport infrastructure, digitizing customs processes, harmonizing regulatory frameworks, and supporting local producers to scale internationally. At its core, it means treating cargo as a strategic trade lever.
A strong air cargo ecosystem also requires investment in people. Skilled personnel—from ground handlers and logistics experts to data analysts—are essential. As demand grows for integrated, tech-enabled logistics solutions, Africa must proactively train a future-ready workforce. It’s not just about aircraft—it’s about people, systems, and seamless coordination.
Environmental sustainability is another crucial dimension. As global cargo demand rises, so does scrutiny on emissions. Airlines are increasingly adopting greener practices, from fuel-efficient routing and digital documentation to forming sustainability-focused partnerships.
Ultimately, air cargo is about more than freight. It’s about trade—and Africa’s capacity to thrive and compete globally. It’s about empowering entrepreneurs, ensuring that a farmer in Kenya or a designer in Lagos can reach customers in Dubai, London, or New York.
If we are truly committed to unlocking Africa’s economic potential, we must invest in the systems that move its goods. Air cargo must be at the heart of that transformation.
[The author is Mr. Peter Musola, Head of Cargo Commercial at Kenya Airways.]
