Talking of global trade, Badr Abbas underscores Africa’s significance in Emirates’ cargo operations and future growth strategies.
Africa has emerged as a dynamic player in global trade, with its economies undergoing rapid transformation. The continent is experiencing significant growth and diversification, driven by increased industrialization, improved infrastructure, and stronger trade agreements. This evolution has attracted the attention of major international carriers, including Emirates SkyCargo, which recognizes Africa’s growing importance in global commerce.
Badr Abbas, Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, highlights the continent’s economic potential and its role in international logistics. “Africa is a thriving engine of global trade,” Abbas stated in a recent interview with Nigeria’s Punch, emphasizing that the airline has steadily expanded its presence across the region to support trade flows between Africa and the rest of the world.
Emirates SkyCargo’s Commitment to Africa
Emirates SkyCargo has been a key player in Africa’s air freight sector for years, connecting businesses to international markets through its extensive network. “In our 10-year strategy, we aim to add 20 new destinations to our freighter network. Currently, we have 38 freighter network destinations. In the next 10 years, we will add 20 new destinations to our global freighter network,” says Abbas, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to the region’s economic development. These destinations span major trade hubs, enabling the movement of goods between Africa and key global markets such as the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
Abbas highlights the wide range of goods being transported from Africa, including “perishables and pharmaceuticals,” Which is increasingly driven by the e-commerce boom in the region. The ability to move such diverse cargo is crucial for industries across the continent, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing. By providing reliable air freight solutions, Emirates SkyCargo plays a vital role in supporting Africa’s economic growth.
Kenya and Nigeria
To strengthen its African operations, Emirates SkyCargo has made significant investments in expanding its freight capacity. Speaking of Kenya in particular, Abbas said, “Kenya is one of our key markets in Africa, and we have two weekly freighters in addition to the two daily passenger flights. Where we also carry cargo in the bellyhold capacity. So, it is a key market for us, one of our top routes. We also have 44 pharma corridors around the world, where we can carry pharma shipments to. Where they have the cold storage facilities and the cold dollies. And in Africa, we have four; Kenya is one of them. So that is a good story. Where we can support the pharma shipments in and out of Kenya, which again has a lot of potential. The exports out of Kenya are many and diversified. Flower is a big one. As I mentioned also, we carry flowers from Kenya directly into Europe, which is a regular support that we provide to the local exporters in the market.”
Of Nigeria, Abbas said, “At the moment, we resumed our operations in Nigeria and Lagos, specifically recently. I think Nigeria is one of our key markets again in Africa for passengers and for cargo. And we are looking into expanding that hopefully once we get more capacity in the near future, adding more capacity and increasing that as we go along in the coming financial year. Nigeria is a big market for us. And it has been a very positive response from the government. We have got full support to resume our flights. And I think it should continue. And we will have even more capacity added shortly.”
Opportunities Ahead
Abbas confirmed that Emirates SkyCargo plans to expand its fleet to 21 dedicated freighters by December 2026, doubling its current capacity, saying, “With more aircraft, which will be delivered in 2025 and 2026, we aim to have by December 2026 a fleet of 21 dedicated freighters. Which means it is double the capacity of what we have now. And that should definitely allow us to add more freighters to Kenya and other African destinations.”
Looking to the Future
As Africa continues to solidify its position as a key player in global trade, Emirates SkyCargo is poised to expand its role in facilitating this growth. With plans to double its dedicated freighter fleet by 2026, the airline is investing in the infrastructure needed to support rising demand across the continent. As trade routes evolve and new markets emerge, Emirates SkyCargo’s commitment to innovation and collaboration will be crucial in driving efficiency and connectivity. Looking ahead, Africa’s trade sector is set for significant expansion, and with ongoing advancements in logistics and air freight capacity, the continent is well-positioned to become an even more influential force in the global economy.
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