Firm Unveils African Shipping Outlook 2025, Projects Surge In Export Economy

A new report released by Topship has projected significant growth in Africa’s export-driven economy, with Nigeria’s air freight market expected to nearly double within the next five years.

The report, titled African Shipping Outlook 2025, provides an in-depth analysis of air freight trends, digital commerce expansion, and the rising role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in cross-border trade across the continent.

According to the report, Nigeria’s air freight market is projected to grow from $3 billion in 2024 to $5.6 billion by 2029, representing one of the fastest growth rates globally with a compound annual growth rate of 13.54 per cent.

It further noted that Africa recorded a 15.6 per cent year-on-year increase in air cargo demand as of November 2025, the highest regional growth rate worldwide.

The study also highlighted the rapid expansion of social commerce across Africa, which grew by 51 per cent annually between 2021 and 2024, driven largely by increased trade in fashion, beauty, and food products.

In Nigeria, exports to other African countries rose to N4.82 trillion in the first half of 2025, marking a 14 per cent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.

Similarly, global logistics giant DHL Group reportedly committed over €300 million to Africa in October 2025, citing Sub-Saharan Africa as the fastest-growing trade region globally during the period under review.

Speaking on the development, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Topship, Moses Enenwali, said the findings reflect a structural shift in Africa’s trade ecosystem.

He explained that small businesses across the continent are increasingly leveraging digital platforms and logistics technology to reach international markets directly.

“What began as informal parcel networks has now evolved into a structured logistics ecosystem. The opportunity is real, expanding, and increasingly accessible to African businesses,” he said.

The report identified MSMEs as the primary drivers of this growth, noting that entrepreneurs are now shipping goods directly to customers in major global cities such as London, New York, and Houston.

It cited examples including Beevee Emporium, a Lagos-based fashion brand, whose operations demonstrate how improved logistics infrastructure is enabling small businesses to scale internationally.

Sectoral analysis in the report showed that Africa’s fashion and apparel market is expected to grow from $3.5 billion in 2024 to $9.4 billion by 2028.

In the food sector, Nigeria’s diaspora-driven export corridor is currently valued between $300 million and $500 million, with an annual growth rate of 10 to 12 per cent.

The beauty and personal care segment was estimated at between $800 million and $1.2 billion, with projections indicating it could reach $2 billion by 2030.

The report also pointed to continued demand in consumer electronics, driven by Africa’s mobile-first economy, which has over 650 million smartphones in circulation.

Topship noted that its digital platform integrates air, sea, and land freight services, enabling businesses to access real-time shipping rates, automate documentation, and track shipments end-to-end.