Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) has announced that air transport generated approximately K9.9 billion in export value for Zambia in 2025, accounting for 3 percent of the country’s total exports across all transport modes and ranking as the second-largest export channel after road transport.
The corporation says the air cargo sector recorded strong growth, with throughput volumes rising 14 percent year-on-year to 21,713 metric tonnes in 2025, up from 19,042 metric tonnes in 2024. The performance places the sector just two percent below pre-pandemic levels, signaling a near-complete recovery from COVID-19 disruptions.
ZACL Board Chairperson Daan Brink says reliable cargo aviation has become a strategic economic lever that connects local production to international markets and strengthens Zambia’s competitiveness in global trade.
Mr.Brink has explained that Zambia already has strong producers and improving storage capacity, but needs a stronger air freight link to move goods faster, preserve quality and ensure exporters access international markets efficiently.
By Rachel Mumba
