**Johannesburg**: Mpho Rambau from Airports Company South Africa discusses the rising air cargo market’s significance for intra-African trade and economic growth, highlighting ACSA’s strategic infrastructure investments and sustainability efforts in anticipation of increased demand due to the African Continental Free Trade Area initiative.
In a significant development for the aviation sector, Mpho Rambau, Acting Group Manager for Traffic Development at Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), has outlined the burgeoning air cargo market and its potential impact on future trade and economic growth across the continent. According to an article published by International Airport Review on 21 February 2025, the integration of air cargo into ACSA’s business model positions the company strategically amidst a global air freight market experiencing sustained growth.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported a robust upward trajectory in air cargo traffic since August 2023, with double-digit growth over a span of seven months. Factors contributing to this expansion include the rise of e-commerce, which has driven demand for quicker delivery of products. Consumers’ increasing preference for air shipping—especially of high-value and perishable goods—reflects a shift in logistics and supply chain practices, bolstered by advancements in technology such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has been identified as a game-changing initiative that is poised to enhance trade across the continent. The AfCFTA encompasses 55 African Union member countries and seeks to streamline trade regulations, thereby reducing barriers for interstate commerce. ACSA is preparing for a surge in air cargo demand as intra-African trade is expected to rise significantly, which could lead to an estimated income increase of $450 billion and lift over 30 million people out of poverty according to projections linked to the Au Agenda 2063 strategy.
World Bank estimates suggest that under the auspices of AfCFTA, Africa’s exports to global markets could rise by as much as 32% by the year 2035, alongside a substantial uptick in foreign direct investment. The initiative encourages the development of regional supply chains, thereby fostering industries reliant on effective air cargo services, namely manufacturing and agriculture.
In anticipation of this increased demand, ACSA is committed to enhancing its infrastructure. The company is undertaking several initiatives, including the expansion of cargo terminals and upgrades to air traffic control systems, aimed at managing increased air traffic efficiently. Moreover, ACSA is embracing innovative technologies to improve cargo operations, aligning its services with modern customer expectations and placing itself ahead of global competition.
Sustainability remains a key focus for ACSA as it enhances its operational practices. The organisation is exploring the use of sustainable aviation fuels and implementing energy-efficient systems to support broader environmental objectives. This commitment to green practices is intended to ensure ACSA’s operations are not only effective but also future-proofed against industry shifts.
The air cargo sector has displayed remarkable resilience post-COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its critical role in global supply chains. The company’s emphasis on air cargo as a major growth area solidifies ACSA’s role in influencing economic development, creating job opportunities across various sectors, and positioning airports as economic hubs that drive regional growth.
As the air cargo industry evolves, ACSA’s proactive strategies are set to enhance both its market leadership and contributions to regional economic prosperity for the foreseeable future.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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