Mintesinot Nigussie AsfawEthiopian Airlines has emerged as the leading player in Africa’s cargo aviation sector, now holding 35 percent of the continent’s market share, according to a new report by the African Finance Corporation (AFC). The airline has significantly expanded its annual cargo capacity, growing from 266,000 tons in 2016 to 715,000 tons by 2023.
The AFC report also highlights persistent gaps in intra-African air transport. In regions such as West Africa, European carriers continue to dominate cargo and passenger traffic. Kenyan Airways and Royal Air Maroc, the next closest competitors, together account for only 25 percent of the cargo market, signaling a sharp contrast in competitiveness.
The report commends Ethiopia and Kenya for using their national airlines to strengthen export trade and urges other African countries to adopt similar strategies. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates 16 dedicated cargo aircraft and serves 60 international destinations, with half located within Africa. The airline plans to expand its cargo fleet to 37 aircraft by the year 2035, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the sector.
In addition, the report praises Ethiopia’s advances in digital infrastructure, particularly in the rapid growth of telecom service users and the increasing adoption of digital technologies. These developments are positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.
Despite such progress, the AFC identifies weak infrastructure as a major constraint to the growth and competitiveness of Africa’s aviation sector. Addressing these limitations is seen as critical to unlocking further potential.
The report also identifies other high-potential sectors across the continent. These include mining, agriculture, logistics, and digital infrastructure. Ethiopia is highlighted as the top wheat producer in sub-Saharan Africa, with wheat cultivation rising from 5,000 hectares in 2018 to 650,000 hectares in 2023.
