African air cargo urges countries to dream bigger together

IATA Nov 2022 data notes that Africa has only a share of 1.9% in global air cargo volumes.

Africa has a very insignificant share in global volumes and its woes accelerated during the pandemic.

The spread of Covid-19 vaccine went very well in most parts of the world but not in Africa.

"The reason was the last mile. We realise that sending over vaccines to very remote areas is not very easy,” says Frank Van Gelder of Pharma.Aero

Gelder noted that the difficulty to move Covid-19 vaccines in Africa, particularly in the last mile, triggered Pharma.Aero’s attention to Africa.

Cortney Robinson of ICAO: “Daily operational magnitude in African hubs are comparable to operations in European airports. However, there are several capital airports in Africa having limited infrastructure."

Africa is in real need of a robust air cargo industry, particularly during the onset of an outbreak.

Then why are investments and investors shying away from Africa?

Glyn Hughes of TIACA pointed out the ability to make ROI as one of the biggest obstacles to further air cargo expansion in the continent.

Robert Fordree of Menzies Aviation: “Returns on investments are difficult to achieve and taking earnings out of the country can also prove challenging. ”

Steven Verhasselt of FB Cargo Strategy says changing regulation is the answer." Protectionism should make place for a path towards open access."

Jade da Costa and Absolom Ngari of Aero-Africa: “SAATM will connect Africa, and, as a result, intra-Africa trade and tourism will increase.”

SAATM is a flagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063, an initiative to create a single unified air transport market in Africa.

With SAATM and AfCFTA in full swing, it's time for African governments and air cargo stakeholders to dream big together.

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