RwandaAir begins first cargo operations from Nigeria to East and Southern Africa
By Aboki Forex —
Nigeria has flagged off RwandaAir's first dedicated cargo flight on the Nigeria-East and Southern Africa route. The launch creates a new logistics corridor aimed at boosting trade between Nigeria and key markets across the region.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this on Friday during the official launch ceremony in Lagos. A statement from his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, confirmed the development.
The inaugural cargo operation marks the start of RwandaAir's dedicated freight service connecting Nigeria with destinations across East and Southern Africa. The route is expected to give exporters a faster and more reliable channel for transporting goods across the continent while strengthening regional trade links.
What they are saying
The Federal Government said the launch opens up new export opportunities for Nigerian businesses. It also improves access to regional markets and supports stronger supply chains across Africa.
Keyamo described the initiative as an example of how improved aviation connectivity can support trade and investment flows across the continent. He noted that this is especially important as African countries seek to deepen economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We're here with some of our exporters; this is where aviation interlines with trade and investment. This is in pursuit of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promote trade and investment across Africa,” the minister said.
Keyamo also noted that the cargo route forms part of broader efforts to make continental trade easier by improving physical connections between African economies. “I am excited to be here with my sister, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, to supervise and launch this effort in support and consonance with the principles and letters of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). You cannot transform African trade without connecting Africa first,” he added.
More insights
The new cargo service is expected to improve logistics efficiency for exporters operating in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. It provides a direct air link that reduces transit times and lowers the cost of moving goods between Nigeria and East and Southern African markets.