Abuja – Nigeria has activated new air cargo routes to Kigali, Lusaka and Harare through a partnership with RwandAir, offering Nigerian exporters rebated freight rates that are 50% to 75% cheaper than standard commercial options, as the country pushes to expand its economic footprint across the continent under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The expansion of the Nigeria-East and Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor was announced on Africa Day by Industry, Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole, with a further update posted on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
“We remain committed to supporting Nigerian exporters with direct access, affordable logistics, and the full benefits of the AfCFTA. Through our partnership with RwandAir, we have activated three new destinations, Kigali, Harare, and Lusaka, while offering rebated cargo rates that are 50% to 75% cheaper than standard commercial options,” Oduwole said. 
The rates published by the ministry show just how competitive the corridor is structured to be. Cargo from Lagos to Kigali attracts a minimum charge of USD 100, with rates of USD 1.40 per kilogram for shipments below 1,000 kg and USD 1.20 per kilogram above that threshold. Lagos to Harare and Lagos to Lusaka both carry a minimum charge of USD 110, at USD 1.80 per kilogram below 1,000 kg and USD 1.60 above it. Lagos to Johannesburg has a minimum charge of USD 120, with rates of USD 1.90 and USD 1.70 per kilogram respectively. Lagos to Nairobi starts at USD 100, with rates of USD 1.70 and USD 1.50 per kilogram.
The corridor is open to products made in Nigeria that qualify for preferential treatment under the AfCFTA, and businesses selected to participate in the inaugural shipment will be required to complete all pre-shipment formalities within timelines set by the ministry, comply with destination market regulations, and cover the full cost of shipment including air waybill fees and local handling charges.
The initiative builds on a corridor that launched a year ago when five women-led businesses sent Nigeria’s first consignment on the route. Oduwole acknowledged both the partners and the entrepreneurs driving the initiative forward.
“Thank you to our partners RwandAir and UNDP for making this happen, and to the resilient entrepreneurs expanding Nigeria’s economic footprint across the continent,” she said.
Applications for the inaugural mid-June 2026 shipment are open and close on Friday, 29 May 2026. Interested businesses can register at https://forms.office.com/r/yTMb9tt3pi.
For Eswatini and the broader Southern African region, the inclusion of Lusaka and Harare as active destinations on a subsidised Nigerian cargo corridor opens a potential new channel for regional trade, with goods from West Africa now able to reach neighbouring hubs at significantly reduced logistics costs.
