Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is championing digitalisation and automation in air cargo, advocating for streamlined trade processes and smarter infrastructure to boost global efficiency and competitiveness.
Speaking at the inaugural ICAO Global Air Cargo Summit in Antalya, ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu stressed the need for simplified, standardised data requirements across borders. “Digitisation increases efficiency, reduces turnaround times, and improves accuracy – but governments must play their part by reducing the complexity of cross-border documentation,” she said.
The Critical Role of Air Cargo in Global Trade
Mpofu highlighted air cargo’s vital role in supporting industries like e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing.
She pointed to O.R. Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) as a leading hub in South Africa’s cargo sector, where ACSA is investing in automated storage, AI-driven systems, and robotics to cut congestion and enhance productivity.
Notably, ORTIA Cargo has won the African Cargo Airport of the Year award five times since 2013.
Key Strategies for Smoother Air Cargo Operations
Mpofu emphasised the importance of:
- Customs integration & digital clearance systems
- Risk-based processing to minimise border delays
- Public-private partnerships to modernise cargo hubs
She also highlighted blockchain and AI as game-changers for secure, efficient cargo clearance. “Blockchain ensures transparency and trust in the supply chain, while AI can streamline inspections and automate risk detection,” she noted. “The future of air cargo depends on smarter, cleaner technologies and stronger stakeholder collaboration.”
ACSA’s Commitment to Innovation & Growth
Joining Mpofu at the summit was ACSA’s Group Executive for Commercial and Business Development, Lauriette Sesoko, reinforcing the company’s strategy to Innovate, Grow, and Sustain. The event provided key insights into global trends that can further strengthen South Africa’s air cargo operations.
By embracing digital transformation and automation, ACSA is positioning South Africa as a leader in efficient, tech-driven air cargo solutions.
