RwandAir Launches Direct Cargo Service Linking Nigeria to East Africa
Pecohub Nigeria has officially flagged off RwandaAir’s first dedicated cargo flight on the Nigeria–East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Route, creating a new logistics corridor aimed at boosting trade between Nigeria and key markets across East and Southern Africa.
The development was disclosed by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Friday, June 19, during the official launch ceremony of the cargo service in Lagos, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood.
The inaugural cargo operation marks the commencement of RwandaAir’s dedicated freight service connecting Nigeria with destinations across East and Southern Africa.
The route is expected to provide exporters with 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, 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, particularly at a time when African countries are seeking 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 also noted that the cargo route forms part of broader efforts to make continental trade easier by improving physical connections between African economies, a key objective of the AfCFTA framework.
- “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.
