Emirates SkyCargo Marks 39 Years of Boosting Global Trade with Africa

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office

Emirates SkyCargo is celebrating nearly 39 years of connecting Africa to the world. This celebration comes as the logistics industry gathers in Nairobi for the Air Cargo Africa event. Emirates SkyCargo is a key player in moving goods between Africa and the rest of the world. Every week, the airline transports around 3,820 tonnes of cargo to and from Africa, helping businesses across the continent. This includes manufacturers, traders, and exporters who rely on Emirates SkyCargo to connect them with customers and partners globally.

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Khalid Al Hinai, the Vice President of Cargo Commercial at Emirates SkyCargo for Africa, the UAE, and the Middle East, shared the company's long-standing commitment to the continent. He mentioned that since Emirates first started flying to Africa in 1986, the airline has been working hard to grow its services. The airline is also excited about future changes like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a new policy that will help boost trade in Africa and create more business opportunities both inside the continent and internationally.

Emirates SkyCargo first flew to Africa in April 1986, with a direct flight between Dubai and Cairo, Egypt. Since then, the airline has grown its operations across the continent. Today, it uses eight dedicated freighters and 172 passenger planes, flying to 20 African destinations every week. Emirates SkyCargo has a vast global network, reaching over 145 destinations, which makes it easy for businesses in Africa to export and import goods quickly.

One of the biggest contributions Emirates SkyCargo makes is in the export of perishable goods. In 2024, it exported over 91,930 tonnes of fresh produce from Africa, which is the largest commodity moved out of the region. The airline uses special ventilated and temperature-controlled packaging to safely transport goods like strawberries from Egypt, seafood from South Africa, chilled meat from Tanzania, fresh fruits from Ghana, and bananas from Uganda.

In Africa, horticulture is a major industry, and Kenya is one of the top flower-producing countries in the world. Emirates SkyCargo plays an important role in transporting fresh flowers, such as roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums, from Kenya to international markets. The airline operates twice-weekly freighters into Nairobi, and these flowers are quickly shipped to Maastricht in the Netherlands in just 24 hours, keeping them fresh and in perfect condition.

Aside from agriculture, many African countries are also focusing on growing their manufacturing industries. These industries are expected to expand significantly over the next decade, which is a key part of the AfCFTA's goals. Emirates SkyCargo is ready to support this growth by offering fast, reliable, and flexible shipping solutions for a variety of industries, ensuring businesses in Africa have access to global markets.

At the Air Cargo Africa event, Emirates SkyCargo will engage with other industry leaders and share its expertise in logistics to help improve the region’s supply chains. The airline will be at the event from February 19 to 21 at stand number B01.

Emirates SkyCargo’s long history of supporting African trade is a testament to the airline’s commitment to the continent and its role in strengthening global trade connections.