Aerospace Garage

MARKETS

Sub-Saharan Africa

Young, fast-growing markets where connectivity, local MRO and drone logistics are the big opportunities.

Countries

  • Ethiopia →

    Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, runs its hub, maintenance base and aviation academy from Addis Ababa.

  • Kenya →

    Nairobi is East Africa's gateway, home to Kenya Airways and a regional centre for aviation training and air cargo.

  • Nigeria →

    West Africa's largest air travel market, with several domestic airlines, Lagos and Abuja hubs, and a long-standing need for local MRO capacity.

  • South Africa →

    Sub-Saharan Africa's most developed aerospace industry, with aerostructures, MRO and space capabilities around Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Compare the region

South AfricaPassengers: 15,454,596 (2023)Air freight (m t-km): 60 (2023)Departures: 169,154 (2023)Directory companies: 36
EthiopiaPassengers: 15,273,254 (2023)Air freight (m t-km): 4,015 (2023)Departures: 147,319 (2023)Directory companies: 9
NigeriaPassengers: 5,269,404 (2023)Air freight (m t-km): 3 (2023)Departures: 61,466 (2023)Directory companies: 20
KenyaPassengers: 5,138,290 (2023)Air freight (m t-km): 289 (2023)Departures: 69,323 (2023)Directory companies: 20
TanzaniaPassengers: 1,911,063 (2023)Air freight (m t-km): 20 (2023)Departures: 81,604 (2023)Directory companies: 6
RwandaPassengers: 1,537,008 (2023)Air freight (m t-km): 0 (2023)Departures: 14,403 (2023)Directory companies: 6
SenegalPassengers: 1,070,961 (2023)Air freight (m t-km): 0 (2023)Departures: 10,655 (2023)Directory companies: 5
Côte d'IvoirePassengers: 716,233 (2023)Air freight (m t-km): 3 (2023)Departures: 13,609 (2023)Directory companies: 6
GhanaPassengers: 440,680 (2023)Air freight (m t-km): 0 (2023)Departures: 11,490 (2023)Directory companies: 5

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0).

In Market Pulse

African air cargo demand
4.7 % y/y
2026-09
African load factor
73.5 %
2026-09

Also in this region: Côte d'Ivoire · Ghana · Rwanda · Senegal · Tanzania

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