Oriarehu Bonny
Nigeria and the broader African continent are emerging as key drivers of global shipping growth, powered by a new wave of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) scaling exports through digital platforms and improved logistics infrastructure.
This is according to the African Shipping Outlook 2025 released by Topship, which highlights a structural transformation in how African businesses access international markets, shifting from informal trade channels to more organised, technology-enabled logistics systems. The report projects that Nigeria’s air freight market will grow significantly from $3 billion in 2024 to $5.6 billion by 2029, representing one of the fastest growth rates globally with a compound annual growth rate of 13.54 per cent.
This expansion is being driven largely by small businesses leveraging social commerce and cross-border e-commerce to reach customers in major global cities such as London, New York and Houston.
Across the continent, Africa recorded a 15.6 per cent year-on-year increase in air cargo demand as of November 2025, the highest growth rate of any region globally.
Analysts attribute this surge to rising export activity among MSMEs, increasing diaspora demand, and improved access to digital tools that simplify international shipping.
The report notes that what was once an informal system—where goods were transported through personal networks and unstructured channels—has evolved into a more sophisticated logistics ecosystem.
Today, businesses are able to access real-time shipping rates, automated documentation, and end-to-end tracking through integrated digital platforms.
Nigeria remains central to this shift. The country’s exports to other African nations rose to N4.82 trillion in the first half of 2025, marking a 14 per cent increase compared to the previous year. This growth reflects stronger intra-African trade ties and the gradual impact of frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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