Strong trade flows and rising shipments position Africa as fastest-growing cargo market in 2026…..
African airlines have emerged as the top performers in the global air cargo market, recording the fastest growth rate of any region in February 2026, according to newly released industry data.
Figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show that air cargo demand among African carriers jumped by 21 percent year-on-year, outpacing all other regions and reinforcing the continent’s growing role in global trade logistics.
The surge in demand was matched by a significant increase in capacity, which rose by 17.3 percent over the same period, an indication that airlines are scaling up operations to meet rising shipment volumes.
Globally, the air cargo market also expanded, with total demand measured in cargo tonne-kilometres climbing 11.2 percent compared to February 2025. International cargo operations saw slightly stronger growth at 11.6 percent.
However, capacity growth lagged behind demand worldwide, increasing by 8.5 percent overall and 9.8 percent for international routes. This imbalance suggests tightening space for cargo, a factor that could influence pricing and logistics in the months ahead.
Industry analysts attribute February’s strong performance partly to seasonal shipping activity ahead of the Lunar New Year, alongside broader improvements in global trade.
Commenting on the trend, IATA Director-General Willie Walsh noted that while demand remains robust, several emerging risks could shape the outlook for the rest of the year.
Among these are rising jet fuel costs, which increased slightly year-on-year, as well as supply challenges in certain regions. In addition, ongoing disruptions affecting major cargo hubs in the Middle East could have ripple effects across global supply chains.
Encouragingly, broader economic indicators point to strengthening trade conditions. Global goods trade expanded by 5.2 percent in January, while manufacturing activity improved, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 53.1. New export orders also hit their highest level since mid-2021, signalling sustained demand for cross-border shipments.
Across other regions, air cargo demand growth remained positive but fell short of Africa’s performance.
Middle Eastern carriers recorded a 16.5 percent increase in demand, followed by Asia-Pacific airlines at 13.6 percent. North American carriers posted a 9.4 percent rise, while European airlines saw a more modest 6.9 percent increase. Latin America and the Caribbean trailed significantly, with demand growing by less than 1 percent.
One of the standout developments in the report is the rapid expansion of the Africa–Asia trade corridor. Air cargo traffic on this route surged by nearly 62 percent in February alone, building on an already strong performance in January.
Despite this impressive growth, the route still accounts for a relatively small share of global cargo volumes, highlighting significant room for expansion.
The latest data also confirms a consistent trend: African carriers have now led global air cargo growth for two consecutive months, following similarly strong performance in January.
While challenges remain, including cost pressures and operational risks, the current trajectory suggests that Africa’s aviation sector is gaining momentum as a key player in global logistics.
If sustained, this growth could open new opportunities for trade, strengthen supply chains, and further integrate African economies into the global marketplace.
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