African airlines have recorded a remarkable 15.6% year-on-year (YoY) increase in air cargo demand for November 2025, outperforming all other global regions, according to the latest figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
This growth, nearly three times the global average of 5.5%, marks the fifth consecutive month of double-digit expansion for African carriers, cementing the continent’s position as a high-growth corridor in the global air freight sector.
Brandspur Reports highlight that African airlines also expanded capacity by 18.1% year-on-year to meet rising demand, with Cargo Tonne-Kilometres (CTK) recording the strongest increase among all regions. Africa outpaced Asia-Pacific (10.3%), Europe (5.8%), while North America (-1.6%) and Latin America (-4.8%) saw contractions in cargo demand.
The surge in African air cargo has been driven by several key factors. Robust trade activity on the Africa–Asia corridor remains a central driver, with economic ties strengthening between the two regions. Strategic re-routing of high-value goods to air transport has helped businesses mitigate risks from shifting global trade patterns and potential tariff increases.
Additionally, the lead-up to the year-end holiday season prompted shippers to prioritise timely deliveries, further boosting volumes.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted that Africa’s strong performance in the fourth quarter of 2025 reflects the continent’s overall aviation resilience.
“Air cargo demand remained robust as strategic re-routing of trade shaped performance across key markets,” Walsh said, adding that sustained growth in cargo mirrors gains in passenger traffic.
The industry faces potential challenges in 2026, including a 5.9% increase in jet fuel prices and caution from manufacturers due to ongoing global tariff uncertainties. However, analysts remain optimistic that Africa’s air cargo sector will continue to attract investment and maintain its leading growth trajectory globally.
