African airlines recorded moderate growth in air cargo demand in August, with traffic increasing by 3 per cent compared with the same period last year, according to the latest report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The global aviation body said the increase reflected continued recovery in the air freight market, although Africa’s expansion remained below the global average.
The report showed that while demand improved, airline capacity increased at a much faster pace, creating pressure on cargo utilisation levels.
Capacity Growth Outpaces Cargo Demand
According to IATA’s August air cargo market report, African carriers increased cargo capacity by 14 per cent year-on-year, the highest capacity expansion recorded among global regions.
However, because available space grew faster than demand, Africa’s cargo load factor declined by 3.9 percentage points to 36.5 per cent.
The cargo load factor measures how much available aircraft cargo space is actually being used.
Global Air Cargo Market Shows Strong Recovery
IATA said global air cargo demand increased by 4.4 per cent year-on-year in August, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK).
International cargo demand recorded stronger growth, rising by 5.3 per cent, while global cargo capacity remained almost unchanged, declining slightly by 0.1 per cent.
International cargo capacity increased marginally by 0.1 per cent during the period.
Africa Trails Other Regions in Cargo Growth
Despite recording growth, Africa’s performance remained lower than several other regions.
The report showed: North American airlines: 6.6 per cent growth, Latin America and Caribbean airlines: 5.1 per cent, Asia-Pacific carriers: 4.3 per cent, European airlines: 4.1 per cent, African airlines: 3.0 per cent, Middle Eastern airlines: 1.0 per cent.
Africa represented about 2.1 per cent of the global air cargo market based on industry cargo tonne-kilometres in 2025.
Africa-Asia Cargo Route Faces Pressure
IATA highlighted concerns about the Africa-Asia cargo corridor, which recorded an 11.9 per cent year-on-year decline in August.
The route, which represents approximately 1.3 per cent of the global air cargo market, experienced its third consecutive month of contraction.
Meanwhile, several major trade routes continued to expand: Asia–North America cargo traffic increased by 13.2 per cent, Intra-Asia traffic grew by 6.1 per cent, Europe–Asia traffic increased by 3.1 per cent, Europe–North America traffic rose by 4.3 per cent.
Global Trade Supports Air Freight Recovery
IATA said continued growth in global trade remained a positive factor for the aviation cargo sector.
Global trade expanded by 6 per cent year-on-year in July, marking the 33rd consecutive month of growth.
Manufacturing indicators also remained supportive.
The Global Manufacturing Output Purchasing Managers’ Index increased to 53.0, while the New Export Orders Index rose to 51.4.
A reading above 50 generally indicates expansion in manufacturing activity.
Rising Fuel Costs Remain Challenge
Despite improving market conditions, airlines continued to face cost pressures.
IATA reported that jet fuel prices increased by: 8.3 per cent month-on-month in August, 79.2 per cent compared with the previous year.
Higher fuel prices remain one of the biggest operational challenges for airlines because fuel represents one of the largest costs in aviation.
Africa’s Aviation Opportunity
The growth in air cargo demand highlights Africa’s increasing role in global trade.
The continent has significant opportunities in: agricultural exports, pharmaceutical logistics, e-commerce, manufacturing supply chains, perishables transportation.
However, aviation experts have repeatedly identified challenges including: limited cargo infrastructure, high operating costs, airport logistics constraints, regulatory barriers, weak regional connectivity.
