Africa’s pharmaceutical air cargo sector is entering a period of rapid expansion, driven by rising healthcare needs, increased clinical trial activity and growing investment. However, industry experts warn that the continent remains severely underserved, with cold chain capacity and regulatory frameworks failing to keep pace with rising demand.
According to IATA’s October 2025 Air Cargo Market Analysis, African airlines recorded a 16.6% year-on-year increase in overall air-cargo demand – the strongest growth of any global region.
However, growth patterns vary significantly across the continent. Pharmaceutical air cargo is increasing steadily, driven by rising demand for medicines, expanding cold chain requirements and more local manufacturing, which is creating additional demand for raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients, says DHL Global Forwarding. The company reported strong demand in Kenya, Ethiopia, Ghana and Nigeria, supported by improved access to landlocked markets through established regional hubs.
Nairobi has emerged as Africa’s busiest cargo airport, followed by Cairo and Johannesburg, with Addis Ababa, Casablanca and Lagos also playing key roles. Ethiopian Cargo continues to expand its network and recently renewed its IATA CEIV (Centre for Excellence for Independence Validators) Pharma accreditation. Kenya has also strengthened its capabilities, with a newly accredited pharmaceutical facility at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, significantly increasing national cold chain capacity.
Temperature control essential
Although vaccines still dominate cold chain demand, there is more movement of antibiotics, oncology treatments, insulin and clinical trial materials, says cold-chain container experts Envirotainer.
Challenges remain across the continent. Regulatory unpredictability, infrastructure gaps, limited cold storage, workforce shortages and occasional terminal disruptions continue to affect operations, says DHL.
Industry platform Pharma.Aero warns that Africa has very limited cargo capacity, fragmented regulation and widespread issues involving falsified medicines. The organisation has stressed the need for greater transparency, stronger airport facilities and more reliable first- and last-mile logistics.
Outlook is strong
A sharp rise in year-round temperature-controlled shipments is expected as chronic disease rates increase and more high-value biologics enter African markets, Envirotainer predicts.
Expanding regional manufacturing and greater regulatory harmonisation are likely to reduce dependence on long-haul imports, DHL adds.
The African Continental Free Trade Area is also expected to accelerate intra-Africa trade and support the development of regional pharmaceutical production.
