Africa is a complex continent where, often, land transportation is not straightforward. Even armed conflicts or piracy in some areas hinder maritime transport. That’s why, in many cases, cargo planes become a more efficient and secure alternative for the transportation of sensitive goods.

This vast continent hosts significant cargo transport centers that play a crucial role in continental and global logistics. In fact, according to the Airports Council International (ACI), the African continent transported 2.15 million metric tons in 2021.

1. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Kenya

This airport, located on the outskirts of the capital, Nairobi, stands out as the busiest cargo airport in Africa. Known by its IATA code NBO, it operates with over 40 passenger airlines and 25 cargo airlines. In 2021, it handled 363,204 tons of cargo, solidifying its leadership in cargo traffic on the continent.

This airport is crucial in transporting some of Kenya’s flagship products. For example, highly perishable and high-value products like roses and other flowers, where the country is a major global player.

2. Cairo International Airport, Egypt

The largest and busiest airport in Egypt, Cairo International Airport (CAI), serves as the main transportation hub for EgyptAir and Nile Air, the country’s major airlines. It is also highly notable for its cargo operation.

With 333,536 tons of cargo, this airport is a pillar in the African cargo landscape, coming close to the achievement of the Kenyan airport in terms of material volume.

3. Oliver Reginald Tambo International Airport, South Africa

The largest airport in South Africa, O.R. Tambo, located in Johannesburg, is a major player in the air cargo transport market. In 2021, it ranked third in volume, with 304,018 tons moved through its facilities. It is the operational core for South African Airways, connecting South Africa to other African sites like Nairobi and Cairo, as well as European destinations such as Frankfurt, Doha in the Persian Gulf, or Singapore in Asia.

4. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Ethiopia

The main hub for Ethiopian Airlines, this international airport (ADD) handled 226,417 tons of cargo according to the latest ACI report. The national airline connects the main national airport with destinations in Latin America (such as Bogotá, Caracas, or Quito), Europe (Brussels, Luxembourg), and numerous destinations within Africa.

5. Murtala Muhammed Airport, Nigeria

Located in Lagos, the economic capital of the country, this international airport (LOS) exceeded 200,000 tons of cargo in 2021. In 2022, Nigeria opened new infrastructure at the airport, increasing its capacity. This could potentially lead to not only an increase in passenger traffic but also benefit cargo traffic due to these investments.

6. Entebbe International Airport, Uganda

The only international airport in Uganda, Entebbe (EBB), located north of Lake Victoria near Kampala, handled 65,115 tons of cargo in 2021. It is currently undergoing extensive modernization funded by the governments of China and South Korea, with a total investment reaching up to $600 million.

7. Aeroport Mohammed V, Morocco

Based in Casablanca, this airport (CMN) is the most used in Morocco, recording 64,373 tons of cargo in 2021. It serves as the main hub for Royal Air Maroc and Air Arabia Maroc. Due to its geographical proximity to Europe and the Atlantic coast, it is likely that the country may not need to significantly increase its air transport in the future.

8. Kotoka International Airport, Ghana

Operated by Ghana Airports Company Limited, Kotoka International (ACC) handled 46,699 tons of cargo last year, primarily serving Accra, the capital of the country. It is used by various cargo airlines, including Air Ghana, DHL Aviation, Emirates SkyCargo, Ethiopian Airlines Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, and Turkish Cargo. It features a 10,000 square meters cargo warehouse facility.

9. Blaise Diagne International Airport, Senegal

Replacing the old Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport, this airport (DSS) handles 37,225 tons of cargo annually. It is the main airport in Dakar, the capital of the country.

10. Cape Town International Airport, South Africa

Although it ranks tenth on this list, Cape Town International (CPT) is still the third airport on the continent in terms of total movement. Additionally, it allows South Africa to be the only country in this list to occupy two positions.

Africa is a continent where poverty and economic challenges pose a serious obstacle. The air cargo transportation sector can be a solution to expand markets and improve competitiveness in a continent that needs to boost its economy and exports. Cargo transportation has a role to play there.