Expanding Airfreight Connectivity Across Africa

Over the past five years, AirCargoGroup’s footprint across Africa has grown significantly. In 2021, we had around five active members covering the continent; by 2026, that number has tripled, reflecting the growing demand for reliable air cargo solutions in Africa and our commitment to connecting businesses across the continent.

Much of this expansion is built on the strong foundation laid by SACO, one of AirCargoGroup’s founding members. SACO’s extensive network and deep operational knowledge across multiple African countries have been instrumental in supporting ACG’s growth. Their work behind the scenes ensures seamless connectivity, consolidating shipments, and enabling general cargo and airfreight to move efficiently across key markets. We sincerely appreciate SACO’s dedication to developing Africa’s air cargo corridors.

ACG African Airfreight Coverage

AirCargoGroup’s current African network provides strategic airfreight hubs for general cargo, industrial goods, perishables, and high-value shipments. Our members and partners operate in the following countries:

ACG Coverage by Member:

  • SACO: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Mauritania, Mauritius, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo
  • Proval: Nigeria
  • Transglory: Tunisia
  • Marglory: Morocco

Additional Coverage via SACO in South Africa:
For countries without direct ACG representation, SACO in South Africa assists with shipments to:

  • Botswana
  • Eswatini
  • Lesotho
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

This ensures that even in regions without direct member presence, ACG can provide reliable airfreight support via neighbouring hubs, maintaining continuity and speed for all shipments.

Africa Map

Challenges in Certain African Markets

While our coverage has grown, not all African countries are viable for airfreight operations. Challenges include:

  • Limited or unreliable airport infrastructure
  • Small cargo handling capacity
  • Political instability, conflicts, or security risks

Examples of high-risk or limited-access regions:

  • Central African Republic
  • Parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Libya
  • Somalia
  • South Sudan

Even in countries without direct ACG representation, neighbouring members or SACO hubs can often coordinate shipments, providing flexibility and reliability for our members’ logistics needs.

Why AirCargoGroup Makes the Difference

AirCargoGroup enables businesses to:

  • Move cargo efficiently across Africa, overcoming long distances and challenging terrain.
  • Access global markets quickly, leveraging hubs in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos, Cairo, and beyond.
  • Benefit from a reliable, standardised network, even where local infrastructure or risk factors are limiting.

Our growth and expanded coverage reflect our commitment to reliability, speed, and seamless logistics across the continent, ensuring our members have access to airfreight solutions wherever they need them.

Fun Facts About Africa for Airfreight and Logistics Enthusiasts

  • Longest Drivable Route from Southern Africa to Asia:
    Theoretical overland trips from Cape Town to the far east of Russia (Magadan) span roughly 22,000 km across Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Russia. While impractical for freight, it highlights the sheer scale of Africa’s connectivity challenges.
  • Shortest Intercontinental Flights from Southern Africa:
    • From Johannesburg (JNB) to Dubai (DXB): ~8–8.5 hours non-stop
    • From Cape Town (CPT) to Dubai (DXB): ~9–9.5 hours non-stop
      These examples show how fast airfreight can reach international markets from Africa’s southern tip, underscoring the strategic importance of our air hubs.
  • Air Cargo Advantage:
    With airfreight, shipments that would take weeks by road or sea can reach international markets in under 24 hours, a critical advantage for perishables, industrial parts, and high-value goods.

Coverage

  • Benin – SACO
  • Cote d’Ivoire – SACO
  • Egypt – SACO
  • Ghana – SACO
  • Guinea – SACO
  • Kenya – SACO
  • Mauritania – SACO
  • Mauritius – SACO
  • Morocco – Marglory
  • Nigeria – Proval
  • Senegal – SACO
  • South Africa – SACO
  • Tanzania – SACO
  • Togo – SACO
  • Tunisia – Transglory

Handled by SACO in South Africa:

  • Botswana
  • Eswatini
  • Lesotho
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Countries in Africa: 54

Coverage by ACG: 23

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