Air cargo volume in the third quarter of the African continent increased significantly

According to the IATA's cargo market statistics for the third quarter of 2012, air cargo shipments in the continent continued to take the lead with an increase of 10.2%.

Charles DHL’s manager for sub-Saharan Africa, Charles said that the increase in air cargo volume indicates that the African continent’s economy is increasing. In the face of stagnant employment and a challenging European environment and the global debt crisis, emerging markets in Africa are growing faster than the West. National economies have reduced global economic instability and highlighted the importance of sustained economic growth in the African continent.

The IATA analysis report pointed out that in February of this year, the volume of air cargo from Africa to the Middle East increased by 17.9%, while that from Europe to the Middle East increased by only 1.4%. In the first quarter of this year, Africa’s air cargo revenue was US$ 45.8 million and its entry revenue reached US$ 334 million. Although Africa accounts for only 3% of the world, its growth rate is fastest. Of the 52 African countries, the average economic growth has reached 5%, of which the potential growth in Ghana, Ethiopia, Liberia, Mozambique, Niger and Uganda may exceed 10%. This undoubtedly provides a huge business opportunity for SMEs to enter the international market and the expansion of multinational companies. However, in Africa, there are still great challenges such as infrastructure, labor-capital relations, and regional trade convenience that are urgently needed.