Africa’s air cargo market recorded the strongest growth worldwide in September 2025, with a 14.7% year-on-year increase in demand, far outpacing other regions, according to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The continent’s performance stood out in a month where global air cargo demand rose 2.9% compared to September 2024, marking the seventh consecutive month of growth. Capacity across African carriers also expanded by 7.4%, reflecting the region’s rising importance in international trade and logistics connectivity.
Globally, total cargo capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased 3.0%, with international operations rising 4.4%. IATA attributed much of the continued global momentum to evolving trade patterns driven by new U.S. tariff policies and shifting supply chains linking Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
READ: Aviation: African Airlines Post 9.4% Growth in Air Cargo Traffic in July 2025, Says IATA
“While many had feared an unwinding of global trade, we are instead seeing air cargo adapting successfully to serve shifting market demands,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Africa’s strong showing contrasts with slower growth elsewhere — Asia-Pacific airlines grew 6.8%, Europe 2.5%, and the Middle East 0.6%, while North America and Latin America both saw declines of 1.2% and 2.2%, respectively.
IATA also noted broader economic indicators supporting cargo growth: global goods trade grew 7% year-on-year in August, while manufacturing sentiment improved, with the global PMI rising to 51.3.
The report highlighted that air freight volumes on Africa–Asia routes showed “notable gains,” reinforcing Africa’s emerging role as a trade bridge between continents. With sustained growth and expanding cargo capacity, Africa’s aviation sector is increasingly positioning itself as a vital player in the global logistics chain.
