On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Air Freight Committee, under the leadership of the National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency (ANACIM), held a crucial meeting dedicated to the challenges and prospects of air freight in Senegal. This gathering, which took place at ANACIM’s headquarters, highlighted the ambitious project for the construction of a new cargo terminal at Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD).
A Structural Project for Air Freight
Aliou Diouf, Project Manager Officer (PMO) for this initiative at AIBD SA, outlined the key aspects of this strategic infrastructure. The primary objective is to equip AIBD with a modern cargo terminal, incorporating warehouses and storage facilities to effectively meet the sector’s growing demands. Ultimately, this facility is expected to store and process up to 80,000 tons of freight per year.
According to the projected timeline, construction will begin in 2026, with commissioning scheduled for 2028. This project aims to enhance the competitiveness of Senegalese air freight and support the country’s economic growth by facilitating international trade.
Challenges to Overcome
Despite this progress, freight stakeholders, particularly members of the Union of Freight Actors (UAF), have voiced concerns about the current slow operations and the high costs of operations and rents within the airport platform. These challenges pose significant obstacles to the fluidity and efficiency of logistical activities.
Mouhamed Mansour Sy, Director of Air Transport and Regulation at ANACIM, assured that in-depth discussions will continue with all stakeholders to address these constraints and promote the development of air freight in Senegal.
A Rapidly Expanding Sector
In 2024, Blaise Diagne International Airport recorded 39,922 tons of freight, reflecting the sector’s steady growth. The increased storage and processing capacity brought by the future cargo terminal is expected to accelerate this momentum and attract further investments in the logistics sector.
Towards a Leading Logistics Hub in Africa
With this project, Senegal aims to strengthen its position as a major logistics hub in West Africa. The modernization of AIBD’s freight infrastructure aligns with a broader objective of optimizing the supply chain and increasing the country’s competitiveness in the global market.
The development of air freight is a key driver for stimulating the economy and integrating Senegal into global logistics networks. The commitment of authorities and industry stakeholders will be crucial to the success of this ambitious project.
