African airlines expanded air cargo volumes by 6 percent in 2025, outpacing global growth, as shifting trade routes and strong e-commerce demand reshaped freight flows, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
December marked a peak month for African carriers, with traffic rising 10.1 percent year-on-year the fastest increase among all regions worldwide reflecting the holiday season surge. Overall, airlines boosted capacity by 7.8 percent over the year, helping meet heightened demand and demonstrating the resilience of African air cargo markets.
Globally, air cargo volumes grew 3.4 percent in 2025, with annual capacity expanding 3.7 percent. December traffic rose 4.3 percent worldwide, IATA said. Other regions recorded more moderate growth: Asia-Pacific led annual global increases at 8.4 percent, followed by Europe (2.9 percent), Latin America and the Caribbean (2.3%), North America (1.3 percent), and the Middle East (0.3 percent).
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, highlighted the role of e-commerce in sustaining air cargo momentum. “The strength of global e-commerce stimulated volumes despite higher tariffs, the removal of de minimis exemptions, and persistent political uncertainty that weighed on trade relations with the United States,” Walsh said.
IATA data show a clear shift in freight flows away from the Asia–North America route toward the Asia–Europe corridor. The shift is attributed to tariff pressures and the removal of the U.S. de minimis exemption, which previously allowed low-value imports to enter the United States duty-free. Meanwhile, intra-Asian routes and Middle East–Asia corridors recorded strong growth, reflecting evolving trade patterns and supply chain adjustments.
The African air cargo market has benefited from this global realignment. Strong demand for perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and high-value commodities contributed to the region’s growth, alongside expanding intra-African trade supported by improving infrastructure and regional connectivity initiatives.
IATA projects a slight slowdown in global air cargo growth to 2.4 percent in 2026. The organisation cited evolving e-commerce patterns, geopolitical developments, and persistent tariff pressures as factors likely to influence market dynamics. Despite the projected deceleration, the association said air cargo will remain a critical component of global supply chains, enabling businesses to respond to changing consumer demand and cross-border trade requirements.
African carriers, which have gradually expanded fleet capacity and logistics networks, are expected to continue leveraging these trends to capture market share. The region’s growth also highlights opportunities for investment in airport infrastructure, cargo handling facilities, and digital logistics platforms, which could further strengthen Africa’s role in global trade.
“The air cargo sector adapted quickly to support businesses and global supply chains, bringing forward shipments ahead of tariff implementation and adjusting to growing demand in Asia and between Asia and Europe,” Walsh added.
The 2025 performance underscores Africa’s growing integration into global freight networks. As the continent strengthens its trade links with Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, air cargo is expected to play an increasingly vital role in facilitating commerce, supporting economic development, and connecting producers to international markets.
IATA’s report also signals the importance of monitoring evolving trade regulations, tariff policies, and digital commerce trends. Airlines and logistics providers are expected to continue adjusting capacity, routes, and pricing strategies to navigate a complex global environment and meet the demands of a rapidly shifting market.
