AFC Lauds Ethiopian Airlines In Annual Infrastructure Report

Ethiopian Airlines now controls 35 percent of Africa’s cargo market, according to a new report from the African Finance Corporation (AFC).

The latest edition of the multilateral finance institution’s annual infrastructure report indicates the competition lags far behind, with Kenyan Airways and Royal Air Maroc accounting for a combined market share of 25 percent.

The report highlighted that passenger and cargo transport between African countries remains low, particularly in West Africa, where European airlines dominate.

Ethiopia and Kenya were recognized for leveraging their national airlines to boost export trade, and the report encouraged other African countries to follow their example.

Ethiopian Airlines has significantly increased its annual cargo capacity, growing from 266,000 tons in 2016 to 715,000 tons by 2023. The airline currently serves 60 international cargo destinations, half of which are within Africa, according to the report.

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The airline operates 16 freighter aircraft and plans to expand its fleet to 37 aircraft by 2035.

Kenya Airways saw its annual cargo capacity reach 380,000 tons in 2023. Rwanda, Egypt, and Côte d’Ivoire were mentioned among countries with growing cargo capacities, while Qatar Airways’ participation in African cargo services is also expanding.

From The Reporter Magazine

The report identified infrastructure challenges across African countries as a major factor hindering the growth and competitiveness of the continent’s aviation sector.

Other sectors highlighted in the report for expansion include mining, agriculture, logistics, and information technology infrastructure.

Ethiopia was noted as the leading wheat producer in sub-Saharan Africa, with the area under wheat cultivation increasing from 5,000 hectares in 2018 to 650,000 hectares by 2023, according to the report.

From The Reporter Magazine

Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa have significant potential in fertilizer production but currently export much of their products outside Africa, it notes. Conversely, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Morocco, and the Democratic Republic of Congo possess potash ore, a key input for fertilizer production, but are not fully utilizing these resources.

The Corporation notes that African farmers have been particularly affected by rising fertilizer prices as a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the world’s main potash producers.

The report also praised Ethiopia’s progress in digital infrastructure, noting significant growth in telecom service users and digital technology adoption.

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