The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has reported a fourth consecutive month of robust growth in global air cargo demand, with Africa witnessing significant expansion in March 2024.

According to the latest data released by IATA, total demand for air cargo, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs), surged by 10.3% compared to March 2023 levels. This marks the fourth consecutive month of double-digit year-on-year growth, signaling a positive trajectory for the air cargo industry.

In contrast, capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTKs), increased by 7.3% compared to the same period last year, reflecting the industry’s efforts to meet the rising demand for air freight services.

Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, commented on the latest figures, stating, “Air cargo demand grew by 10.3% over the previous March, contributing to a strong first quarter performance. With global cross-border trade and industrial production continuing to show a moderate upward trend, 2024 is shaping up to be a solid year for air cargo.”

Key factors influencing the operating environment include the moderate increase in global cross-border trade and industrial production, as well as fluctuations in inflation rates across different regions.

In March, Asia-Pacific airlines experienced the most significant year-on-year demand growth for air cargo at 14.3%, driven by strong performance on the Asia-Europe and intra-Asia routes. Meanwhile, North American carriers saw the weakest demand growth at 0.9%, with capacity decreasing by -1.9% year-on-year.

European carriers witnessed a notable year-on-year demand growth of 10.0% for air cargo in March, with intra-European air cargo experiencing a substantial increase of 24.7% year-on-year. Middle Eastern carriers recorded the strongest growth among all regions at 19.9%, with the Middle East–Europe market leading the way.

Latin American carriers and African airlines also reported positive growth, with demand increasing by 9.2% and 14.2% year-on-year, respectively. However, African airlines experienced a slight contraction compared to the previous month on the Africa–Asia route.

Despite the challenges posed by fluctuating demand and capacity, the air cargo industry in Africa continues to demonstrate resilience and growth potential, contributing to the region’s economic development and global trade facilitation.

As the global air cargo market remains dynamic, stakeholders are closely monitoring industry trends and implementing strategic measures to capitalize on emerging opportunities and address evolving challenges in the months ahead.

Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, recently concluded a successful visit to Ethiopia from April 22 to April 26, 2024.

During his time there, he engaged with Foundation partners and grantees, focusing on addressing health challenges and fostering economic opportunities for the Ethiopian people. This visit underscored the Gates Foundation’s dedication to collaborating closely with communities and leaders to advance solutions that accelerate progress and enhance lives throughout Africa.

Suzman used his time to visit different stakeholders involved in the Foundation’s work in Ethiopia, meeting with high-level policymakers all the way to individuals benefiting from BMGF’s initiatives.

On Wednesday, April 24, Mark Suzman flew to Sidamo region. Suzman’s day commenced at Wochabo Basic Health Post, where he observed the essential work of Health Extension Workers, emphasizing immunizations, family planning, and maternal and child care.

He also interacted with Village Health Leaders, pivotal in community-health worker collaboration. Moreover, he engaged with married adolescent girls benefiting from the Smart Start, a nationwide Ministry of Health-led program which empowers them to pursue educational and entrepreneurial goals while managing family planning effectively.

His time in Sidamo was concluded by receiving insights from Amref and the Afar Regional Health Bureau regarding the difficulties in delivering health services in the pastoralist region of Afar, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to address challenges despite difficulties.

Upon returning to Addis Ababa, Suzman had a roundtable discussion on gender transformative outcomes in agriculture with representatives of Minister of Agricultural (MoA). The roundtable also engaged Agriculture Transformation Institute (ATI), ACC and CARE Ethiopia.

On Thursday, Mark Suzman and Haddis Tadesse, Country Director of BMGF Ethiopia, conducted a recorded conversation about DPIs in the presence of relevant stakeholders.

Thursday was concluded with a Government Leaders Roundtable where the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Planning and Development, Ministry of Finance, Ethiopian Investment Commission, Ethio-Telecom, National Bank of Ethiopia and National ID Ethiopia were represented. This roundtable was centred around conversating with government officials on policies affecting the Ethiopian people. Additionally, it gave the Foundation the opportunity to further align its work in Ethiopia with the government’s priorities.

The final day of the CEO’s visit began with National and Pan-African Media Roundtable where Suzman personally engaged media personnel from various backgrounds, answering their questions and sharing the future plans of the Foundation in Ethiopia.

The European Chamber in Ethiopia (EuroCham) has unveiled its policy paper for the fourth time, aimed at improving tax administration in the country. One notable provision in the policy is the requirement for companies to deposit 50 percent of the tax amount in dispute when filing an appeal with the Federal Appeals Commission.

Under the current system, taxpayers must submit a deposit equal to half of the original tax amount to appeal to the Commission. However, EuroCham’s policy proposes that companies must deposit 50 percent of their tax liabilities to lodge complaints with the Ethiopian Federal Appeals Commission, seeking resolution for their tax concerns.

Expressing concern, the document suggests that this requirement may jeopardize the sustainability of businesses. Survey results indicate that the business community advocates for reducing the deposit amount to 20 percent.

Bahru Temeseng, Director of EuroCham in Ethiopia, warned that failure to meet deposit obligations could lead to business closures, especially when claims exceed available cash and capital reserves.

Moreover, the policy highlights discrepancies in tax audit outcomes, with cases approved in one round often rejected in subsequent rounds within the same tax office. Temeseng emphasized the challenges faced by both taxpayers and auditors in preparing tax reports and conducting audits.

The policy document proposes recommendations to enhance Ethiopia’s tax administration system, emphasizing the need for fair and transparent tax management processes. Among the top recommendations is the reduction of the required deposit amount for tax complaints.

Established in 2012, EuroCham represents the European business community in Ethiopia. With 180 members, it operates as an independent association holding an investment license in Ethiopia.

The upcoming Tamirt Expo in Ethiopia is set to create significant market opportunities, with expectations of generating over 3 billion birr in market connectivity. The Ministry of Industry has announced that more than 200 industries will participate in the event, which will span five consecutive days starting from May 9, 2024.

Tarekegn Bululta, the Minister of State for Industry, stated that manufacturers involved in various sectors such as leather and leather products, textile and garment, wood, construction, automobile and machinery, electronics, and electrical industries will be actively participating in the program.

Anticipating a large turnout, the minister mentioned that more than 50,000 visitors are expected to attend, including embassy officials, foreigners, technical and vocational students, as well as higher education institution students. Additionally, a photo exhibition showcasing the manufacturing industry’s history will be presented as part of the event.

The development of the exhibition and bazaar has involved 16 industries, and discussions on topics such as finance, strategy, and infrastructure are scheduled to take place throughout the five-day event.