WEEKLY NEWS AFRICA’S EXPANSION


AIR CARG O WEEK


BY Anastasiya SIMSEK


AFRICA is fast emerging as a significant player in the global airfreight industry. With vast untapped markets, expanding infrastructure, and increasing cargo volumes, the continent is garnering attention from international stakeholders keen to capitalise on its potential. While challenges remain, Africa’s airfreight sector is showing


impressive growth, driven by key regions such as South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. These developments are reshaping the continent’s role in global trade, positioning Africa as a vital hub in the logistics chain. "Africa is a largely untapped market with enormous potential


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for cargo volumes, particularly in perishables and general cargo," Gakwaya Bosco, Director of Cargo Services at RwandAir, explained. "We are seeing increased interest from foreign investors who are keen to enhance local production and tap into Africa’s vast resources."


High-potential regions When considering exports and imports, South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria stand out as dominant forces in the African airfreight market.


These countries have become key gateways for goods moving to


and from major global markets such as the UAE, Europe, the UK, India, and China. "South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria have consistently shown strong


performance, serving as crucial nodes in the global supply chain," Bosco remarked. "The development of these regions is being powered by significant


investments in infrastructure, which is crucial for facilitating the movement of goods. "The agri-business sector has been a significant contributor to


Africa’s success in the airfreight market. "We are witnessing substantial developments in this area,


attracting foreign investors and enhancing local production. "Improvement in airport facilities and the increase in cargo


freighter fleets are crucial in meeting the growing demand for airfreight services in Africa."


Middle East offering An exciting development in Africa’s airfreight market is the launch of new services by RwandAir Cargo from Kigali to Dubai and Djibouti.


"Djibouti and the Middle East serve as entry points to far Asia


markets for Rwanda and the rest of the continent," Bosco explained. "These regions also depend on imported agricultural produce from


Rwanda and other African countries." "We are looking at huge investments in airport infrastructure to


match the increasing demand for services," Bosco said. "Supporting and investing in airlines to increase uplift capacity and network development across the region will be crucial."


Stronger than others Africa's airfreight industry has outperformed comparable markets globally, thanks to several key factors. The continent has seen significant investments in agricultural business, which have not only boosted local production but also attracted foreign investors. Infrastructural developments in both uplift capacity (airlines) and handling capacity (airport facilities) have been pivotal in supporting this growth. "Adherence to international standards by airports and airlines has


been instrumental in building a strong, connected network in Africa," he said. "Increased partnerships with both regional and foreign carriers,


along with strong associations for African carriers such as AFRAA, SAATM, and AFCFTA, have been key to building this network. "Harmonised operating procedures and integrated associations


Did You Know ? THE TULIP STORY BY Michael SALES


Ask most people, “Where do tulips come from?” They would say Holland, and indeed, they would be right. Tulip festivals and songs all celebrate the splendour of the Dutch tulip fields and festivals. But did you know that this flower came originally from Turkey and was made famous in the 18th century during the Ottoman Empire? This was a time of peace and prosperity,


art and literature, and tulip cultivation was equated with status, privilege, and prosperity. However, embittered at Sultan Ahmet III’s extravagant spending of so much time and public money on his tulip gardens at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, angry crowds of


residents stormed the palace, forced him out, killed the prime


minister and burned the gardens in revenge. Despite all this, the tulip is still a feature of Turkish culture and has decorated the Topkapi Palace and gardens. Even today, tulip designs appear in art,


architecture and design, from pottery, ceramics,


paintings, stone and wood


inscriptions, swords, carpets, textiles, and jewellery and tulip motifs have decorated palaces, mosques, fountains, tombstones and robes and shoes of Ottoman Empire sultans. Tulips, native to Central Asia, which grow wild in almost every region, were reportedly first brought to the Netherlands in 1593. Today, apart from the dominant tulip


culture, Holland’s massive 518,000 sq m floriculture market at Aalsmeer is the biggest grower, importer and exporter of cut flowers, shrubs and plants in the world.


It handles some 11.5 billion Euros in trade value, with cut flowers representing around four billion Euros, the biggest export market being the USA at over two billion Euros. The famous “Dutch auction” is used in


many different businesses. The auctioneer begins each sale with an agreed-upon high asking price and lowers it until a bid is made or a reserve price is reached. Prices are shown on a clock, and buyers typically have a few seconds to make a bid.


have set a trajectory for all members, smoothing out requirements and standards.”


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ACW 009 SEPTEMBER 2024


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