Logistics

Elevating African trade with air cargo

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Emirates SkyCargo partners with Astral Aviation to enhance global trade routes, boosting cargo connectivity and economic opportunities across Africa. (Image source: Emirates SkyCargo)

Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of the world’s largest international airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Astral Aviation, a leading African cargo airline, to explore new opportunities for enhancing global trade to and from Africa

Astral Aviation operates an extensive intra-African network, serving 50 destinations through scheduled and ad hoc charter services. Paired with Emirates SkyCargo’s expansive global network of over 145 destinations and a fleet that includes both passenger aircraft and dedicated freighters, the collaboration highlights Africa’s growing role in global commerce. Both airlines have extensive expertise in handling delicate cargo such as fresh produce and pharmaceuticals, which are essential commodities in the region’s trade.

Expanding Connectivity and Trade Opportunities

The agreement was formalised at Air Cargo Africa by Badr Abbas, divisional senior vice-president of Emirates SkyCargo, and Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation Limited. As part of the MoU, both airlines will collaborate on initiatives such as expanding cargo interline options and block space agreements to improve connectivity and expand market access for African businesses.

Badr Abbas highlighted the potential of the partnership, stated, “Home to 11 of the 20 fastest-growing economies, coupled with bold trade ambitions, there is immense growth potential in Africa. Given the breadth of our network, our all widebody fleet and our specialist product portfolio, we are well placed to support businesses reach new suppliers and customers in every corner of the globe. This partnership with Astral Aviation solidifies our longstanding commitment to the market, creating mutually beneficial economic opportunities to keep goods flowing quickly, reliably and efficiently.”

Sanjeev Gadhia added, “Today marks a pivotal step in our, over 15 years, commercial partnership and reflects our shared vision to elevate air cargo solutions to, from and within Africa. Together, we will unlock new opportunities, driving innovation and strengthening global trade connectivity.”

Strengthening economic ties between the UAE and Africa

Economic and investment ties between the UAE and Africa continue to expand, with the UAE ranking as the top GCC investor and the fourth largest global investor in Africa. Recently, the UAE and Kenya signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aimed at accelerating trade and investment across key sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, tourism, financial services, and renewable energy. The partnership between Emirates SkyCargo and Astral Aviation aligns with these efforts, fostering trade growth and supporting the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to boost Africa’s global exports by 32% by 2035.

Decades of commitment to Africa

Emirates SkyCargo launched its African operations in April 1986 with its first flight to Cairo, Egypt. Over nearly four decades, the airline has expanded its footprint across the continent, now operating seven dedicated freighters alongside bellyhold capacity on 172 passenger flights per week to 20 African destinations.

Astral Aviation, with global hubs in Nairobi, Johannesburg, Liège, and Dubai, has been a key player in African airfreight for 24 years, offering cost-effective and reliable cargo solutions across the continent.

Also check out: How Is TAAG Angola modernising its fleet?

MSC introduces iReefer tracking system

MSC launches iReefer, a real-time container monitoring system for reefer cargo, enhancing shipment tracking, security, and temperature control. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has introduced iReefer, a state-of-the-art container monitoring system designed for temperature-controlled cargo

This innovation enables customers to track and oversee their refrigerated shipments in real-time, from any location worldwide.

With iReefer, users gain instant access to crucial shipment details, including location, temperature, humidity, and more. The service is accessible through myMSC, the company’s digital business platform, or via an API for seamless integration.

Customers can choose from three tailored iReefer packages based on their business needs. The entry-level option, iReefer Essential, is available at no cost and provides an overview of current and past reefer shipments, a container journey log, and analytical graphs. iReefer Pro expands on these features by offering unlimited data downloads and GPS tracking. For businesses managing large cargo volumes, iReefer Ultimate ensures direct API connectivity for streamlined data exchange. The premium packages, iReefer Pro and iReefer Ultimate, will be available starting 1 March 2025.

As a global leader in refrigerated transport, MSC moves over 1 million reefer containers annually. The company operates one of the most sophisticated reefer fleets and is supported by a team of more than 1,000 reefer specialists worldwide.

The launch of iReefer represents a key milestone in MSC’s ongoing digital transformation, aimed at enhancing shipping efficiency and providing real-time insights for supply chain optimisation. This new solution complements MSC’s existing digital portfolio, which includes MSC Smart Containers for remote dry cargo monitoring.

As part of this global initiative, MSC has integrated iReefer technology into over 210,000 reefer containers and equipped more than 500 vessels, with plans to expand deployment across its entire fleet in the coming years.

“This exciting launch highlights MSC’s unique ability to combine forward-thinking digital solutions with personalized customer care. iReefer is designed with customers in mind: we fully understand their need to closely monitor and control cargo, to facilitate planning and ensure products are delivered in pristine condition. It builds on the already high levels of care we apply to reefer cargo and takes this support to the next level,” said Giuseppe Prudente, Chief Logistics Officer of MSC and President of MEDLOG.

Digital Innovation in Cold Chain Logistics

The introduction of iReefer aligns with the rising global demand for refrigerated cargo and user-friendly digital solutions. Customers will benefit from real-time container monitoring, precise temperature control, improved security, regulatory compliance, and valuable data insights. Additionally, connected reefer containers help minimize costs by reducing spoilage, preventing damage, and lowering insurance claims.

Also read: https://africanreview.com/manufacturing/modular-training-workstation-to-inspire-current-and-future-professionals

IFC invests in Nigeria’s Lagos Free Zone

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The signing of the IFC investment in Lagos Free Zone (Image source: Lagos Free Zone)

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is to invest up to US$50mn in Lagos Free Zone to support industrial growth and economic diversification in Nigeria

The funds will underpin the first phase of the 860-hectare free zone, Nigeria’s first deep-sea port-based private special economic zone, focusing on land development, industrial facilities and logistics infrastructure.

Dahlia Khalifa, IFC regional director, Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, said the investment is designed to address critical infrastructure gaps, attract local and global businesses and contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

“This investment reflects IFC’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria,” said Khalifa.

“Lagos Free Zone is poised to become a transformative hub for industrial activity, driving job creation and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets.”

Owned by Singapore-based Tolaram, a diversified multinational group with operations across Africa, Asia, and Europe, Lagos Free Zone is integrated with Lekki Deep Sea Port and will provide an integrated industrial ecosystem for efficient import and export operations, serving as a gateway for Nigeria’s integration into global value chains.

With Nigeria’s economy projected to grow by 3.7% by 2026, investments in infrastructure are vital to ensuring sustainable growth.

Lagos Free Zone is already home to several manufacturing brands including Kellogg’s, Dano Milk, Colgate, BASF, ADM and Tata International.

When fully occupied, the free zone is expected to create 30,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs, while contributing significantly to Nigeria’s GDP upon completion.

“We are proud to partner with Lagos Free Zone in building the infrastructure necessary to attract global and local businesses, enabling Nigeria to achieve its full economic potential,” said Khalifa.

The investment also reflects IFC’s commitment to sustainable development, with a focus on green infrastructure.

Approximately 15% of the investment is earmarked for climate-related initiatives.

“IFC’s support represents a significant and positive recognition of our vision to establish Lagos Free Zone as a world-class industrial hub,” said Adesuwa Ladoja, CEO and managing director at Lagos Free Zone Company.

“This investment allows us to scale up the existing infrastructure to attract more foreign and local tenants while promoting sustainability and creating economic opportunities for Nigeria.”

IFC investment also aligns with Nigeria's ongoing economic reforms and the Corporation’s own strategy, including the World Bank Group’s Nigeria Country Partnership Framework (2021–2025) and its 2015 Climate Action Plan, both of which prioritise diversification, the development of competitive clusters and investments in climate-resilient infrastructure.

By addressing infrastructure bottlenecks the aim is to strengthen and unlock Nigeria’s position as a regional economic leader.

How Is TAAG Angola modernising its fleet?

TAAG Angola Airlines enhances fleet with Boeing 787-9, improving long-haul operations across Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Boeing has delivered the first of four 787 Dreamliner aircraft to TAAG Angola Airlines, marking the introduction of the airline’s new livery

The 787-9, along with upcoming deliveries of the fuel-efficient widebody jets, will support the airline's fleet modernization and long-haul expansion, enhancing Angola's connectivity for both travelers and trade with the industry's most advanced commercial aircraft.

The first 787 Dreamliner, leased from AerCap, arrived in Luanda ahead of Angola’s Liberation Day on February 4, coinciding with nearly 50 years since TAAG Angola received its inaugural Boeing 737-200.

“The delivery of the 787-9 is a pivotal step in our strategy to modernize TAAG Angola Airlines’ fleet,” said Nelson Pedro Rodrigues de Oliveira, CEO of TAAG Angola Airlines. “This airplane brings the efficiency and versatility we need to meet growing market demands, replace our ageing widebody fleet, and deliver a world-class experience to our passengers.”

Currently, TAAG Angola Airlines operates five 777-300ERs, three 777-200ERs, and seven Next-Generation 737s, serving 12 destinations across Africa, Europe, South America, and China. The addition of the 787 Dreamliner will enable the airline to expand its long-haul operations, with plans to launch new routes to Europe and explore opportunities in Asia and North America.

“The 787 Dreamliner will complement TAAG Angola Airlines’ fleet of Boeing 737 and 777 jets, as we continue to support the airline in its mission to connect people and places across the globe,” said Anbessie Yitbarek, vice president of Boeing Commercial Sales for Africa. “Our 50-year relationship with TAAG Angola Airlines has been built on trust and shared goals, and we look forward to many more years of successful collaboration and innovation together.”

TAAG Angola Airlines ordered the 787 Dreamliner in 2023 as a cornerstone of its modernisation strategy. Known for its cutting-edge technologies, fuel efficiency, and superior passenger experience, the 787 Dreamliner achieves up to 25% reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to the aircraft it replaces.

In tandem with the delivery of its first 787 Dreamliner, TAAG Angola Airlines is collaborating with Boeing to purchase CO2 emissions reductions related to blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) via a book-and-claim process. Distributors will ensure that the SAF, available through these purchased certificates, reaches nearby airports for use by airlines and other carriers.

Boeing's Commercial Market Outlook estimates that Africa will require 1,170 new airplanes over the next 20 years. Boeing has been the backbone of Africa’s commercial aviation fleet for over 75 years, with more than 60 airlines operating nearly 500 Boeing aircraft across the continent, representing almost 70% of the regional airplane market.

In another news read: Lobito Atlantic Railway strengthens transport capacity

AD Ports expands operations at Luanda

AD Ports Group begins managing Luanda’s multipurpose terminal and logistics venture. (Image source: AD Ports)

AD Ports Group, a prominent player in global trade, logistics, and industry has began overseeing the long-term management and development of a major multipurpose terminal and an accompanying logistics venture in collaboration with local partners in Luanda, Angola, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion across sub-Saharan Africa

Partnering with Unicargas and Multiparques, AD Ports Group has commenced operations at the Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal, situated at Angola’s largest port. The Port of Luanda accounts for approximately 76% of the country’s container and general cargo traffic and offers vital maritime connections to neighbouring landlocked nations like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.

AD Ports Group holds an 81% stake in the multipurpose terminal joint venture, while it owns 90% of the logistics venture with Unicargas.

The agreement, a 20-year concession with the Luanda Port Authority signed in April 2024, includes an investment commitment of around US$250mn by AD Ports Group through 2026 for the modernization of the terminal and the establishment of Noatum Unicargas Logistics. This joint venture will provide comprehensive logistics, transport, and freight forwarding services to regional, local, and international clients.

With the terminal now operational, Noatum Unicargas Logistics has also begun trading. The logistics business is making substantial investments in new trucks and systems and will be fully integrated into the Noatum Logistics global network, improving Angola’s connectivity to international markets and driving growth in the national economy.

Based on market demand, AD Ports Group’s total investment in this project could increase to USD 380 million over the duration of the concession, which may be extended by an additional decade.

In late 2024, AD Ports Group also secured two agreements with the Angolan government that provide substantial tax and financial advantages to its operating subsidiaries.

These investments are expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, alongside a focus on training and skill development. The planned upgrades will also introduce environmentally sustainable technologies, ensuring lower carbon emissions.

Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, regional CEO of AD Ports Group, commented, “With the planned upgrade of Luanda’s multipurpose port terminal, and the establishment of an integrated logistics and freight forwarding business leveraging our Group’s global network and reach, AD Ports Group is positioned to capture the growth in Angola’s container volumes, which are forecast to rise on average by 3.3% annually over the next decade. In line with the direction of our wise leadership, this significant investment by our Group and its partners will strengthen the country’s ties with the UAE and bring jobs and economic prosperity to the citizens of Angola.”

Ricardo Daniel Sandão Queirós Viegas de Abreu, minister of transport, Angola, stated, “The Port of Luanda is the main maritime gateway to Angola, a critical hub for regional trade and an economic lifeline for the region. Our strategic partnership with AD Ports Group, part of a broader effort involving multiple stakeholders, will transform the Port of Luanda into an efficient, high-performance multipurpose facility that transforms our logistical capabilities and drives economic growth across central West Africa. This collaboration is a significant milestone in our mission to modernise infrastructure and expand access to global trade, while delivering a prosperous future to Angola and its partners."