Ethiopian Airlines Cargo and Logistics Services, Africa’s largest air cargo operator, has announced a landmark digital partnership with Freightos that is set to transform the continent’s logistics landscape. By the end of March 2026, the airline is expected to fully integrate its extensive cargo network with the WebCargo digital booking platform.
This strategic move aims to reclaim market share previously held by non-African competitors and modernize how the world conducts trade with the continent.
​This integration arrives at a critical juncture for the African aviation industry. According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), air cargo demand for African carriers grew by 18.2% annually in early 2026.
Despite this being the highest growth rate globally, the majority of cargo volume has historically been transported by foreign airlines. By joining one of the world’s leading digital booking platforms, Ethiopian Cargo is now making its capacity easily accessible to global freight forwarders with just a few clicks.
​For decades, air cargo booking in Africa was an arduous process involving phone calls, paperwork, and emails.
This new partnership removes these structural barriers. Through WebCargo, customers can access real-time rates for over 145 global destinations, request quotes, and complete the booking process digitally.
The platform also includes a payment option called WebCargo Pay, which resolves delays associated with cross-border currency transfers.Dereje Derero, Managing Director of Ethiopian Airlines Cargo and Logistics Services, stated, “Digital transformation is a core pillar of our growth strategy.
This integration strengthens our position as the continent’s leading airline by providing fast and reliable service to our customers.” In the context of 2026 global trade—marked by shifting trade routes, price volatility, and geopolitical instability—Freightos Interim CEO Pablo Pinillos emphasized that “speed and reliability are key differentiators.”
​By making its cargo capacity transparent and instantly bookable, Ethiopian Cargo is enhancing its competitiveness through operational efficiency rather than just pricing.
The integration focuses on major trade lanes connecting Africa with the US, Europe, China, and India, while also bolstering the airline’s unrivaled intra-Africa connectivity.
Despite the rise of e-commerce on the continent, much of Africa’s cargo output is still carried by non-African carriers. Industry analysts suggest that by adopting this digital path, Ethiopian Cargo has elevated its competitive edge.
​
