Emirates SkyCargo, Astral Aviation join forces to boost Africa-EU trade

AFRICA – Emirates SkyCargo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Astral Aviation to strengthen trade connections between Africa and the European Union.

The partnership is expected to increase cargo movement, benefiting businesses across the continent.

Astral Aviation currently operates flights to 50 destinations within Africa, offering both scheduled and charter services.

Emirates SkyCargo, which serves over 145 destinations globally, will work alongside Astral Aviation to provide businesses with greater access to international markets. The two airlines have experience in transporting perishable goods and medical supplies, which are key products in African trade.

The MoU was signed at Air Cargo Africa by Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates SkyCargo, and Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO of Astral Aviation.

As part of the agreement, both companies will focus on improving interline agreements and increasing available cargo space. This move is expected to improve trade logistics and create new business opportunities for African exporters.

Badr Abbas emphasized Africa’s growing economic importance, stating, “The continent is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. We aim to enhance logistics and market access to help drive global trade and economic progress.” Sanjeev Gadhia described the agreement as a significant step in the long-standing relationship between the two airlines.

He added, “This collaboration will improve trade opportunities for African businesses and enhance connectivity on a global scale.”

The agreement comes at a time when trade ties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Africa are growing. The UAE is the largest investor in Africa from the Gulf region and ranks as the fourth-largest global investor on the continent.

The recent signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Kenya highlights the increasing trade and investment links. This agreement focuses on key industries such as agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and renewable energy.

The Emirates-Astral partnership aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to increase Africa’s exports by 32% by 2035.

With improved logistics and connectivity, African exporters will have better access to international markets, supporting economic development across the region.

Challenges from EU airfreight restrictions

This partnership comes at a crucial time, as several European retailers are limiting the use of airfreight for fresh produce to cut carbon emissions. Companies such as Lidl have already begun sourcing fruits and vegetables through alternative transport methods.

Kenyan exporters are facing rising costs and logistical difficulties as they transition to sea freight. Approximately 80% of Kenya’s fresh produce is shipped by air, making these changes a significant challenge.

While the Kenyan government has clarified that there is no official ban on airfreight exports, there is increasing support for sea freight due to lower costs and environmental benefits.

Investments are being made to improve sea freight infrastructure, including the development of cold storage-equipped trains and aggregation centers to streamline the export process.

The EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2), which requires advance cargo data submissions, has also contributed to changes in freight logistics.

These measures aim to improve supply chain security and customs procedures but add new compliance requirements for exporters.

With these regulatory shifts, the partnership between Emirates SkyCargo and Astral Aviation is expected to provide much-needed support to African exporters by improving trade efficiency and securing access to global markets.

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