Air freight demand rises in Africa

The demand for air freight from African companies increased by 4.7% in September 2026 compared to the same month in the previous year, despite a 1.2% decline in transport capacity, according to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This growth was largely driven by increased trade between Africa and Asia, where demand rose by 2.6% during the period.

Regional demand trends vary

North America and the Asia-Pacific regions saw the highest demand growth in September, with increases of 11.8% and 8.6% respectively. Latin America and the Caribbean followed with a 6.7% rise, while Europe and the Middle East recorded more modest gains of 4.5% and 3.8% respectively. These variations highlight differing economic dynamics across regions.

Global air freight demand grows

Global air freight demand increased by 7.7% in September 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, with international operations seeing an even stronger 8.6% growth. Available capacity also rose by 2.7% globally and 3.3% on international routes, reflecting a broader expansion in global trade and manufacturing activity.

Challenges in profitability

Marie Owens Thomsen, chief sustainability officer and chief economist of IATA, noted that while global trade and manufacturing have driven demand, rising aircraft fuel prices—more than double those of the previous year—have made it harder for carriers to maintain profitability. Yields, or the revenue per unit of cargo, have not kept pace with these rising costs.

IATA's revised outlook

IATA had previously lowered its forecast for global air freight demand growth to 0.7% for the entire year of 2026. This forecast follows a strong recovery in 2024, when global demand increased by 11.3%. For African carriers, the challenge lies in turning this growth into profitability, as higher fuel costs and trade imbalances continue to affect their margins.

Digital strategies in Africa

African countries are increasingly integrating digital development into their socio-economic strategies. Tunisia, for example, is using digital advancements and improved connectivity to boost its tourism sector, demonstrating how technology can support economic growth in the region.

Business performance in Africa

The Ivorian packaging manufacturer FILTISAC saw a 40% increase in revenue for the first nine months of 2026 and returned to profitability, though it still reports a current deficit. Meanwhile, the twelve banks listed on the Tunis Stock Exchange recorded a 5.8% rise in net banking income for the same period, with nearly half of their revenue coming from securities portfolios.

Cultural events in Africa

Emergence 2026, an event showcasing co-produced African and European cinema, will take place in Lome from 2 to 11 November. The festival aims to support African creative industries by building an ecosystem that promotes and structures talent.

Tunisian tourism and heritage

Tataouine, a Tunisian journey through desert landscapes, Berber villages, and troglodyte dwellings, also draws comparisons to the Star Wars galaxy. Located in southern Tunisia, the region offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that attracts visitors and filmmakers alike.