Antalya – To streamline the trade process and increase global efficiency and competitiveness, Airport South Africa (ACSA) is working to digitalize and automate air freight.
A speech at the first ICAO Global Air Cargo Summit held in Antalya, Turkey, ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu on Tuesday (April 15, 2025) at ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu (April 15, 2025), highlighted the importance of simplifying and standardizing data requirements across borders.
“Digitization improves efficiency, reduces turnaround time and improves accuracy, but governments must play a role in reducing the complexity of cross-border documents,” she said.
Mpohf emphasized that air freight plays an important role in supporting industries such as world trade, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing.
She cited or Tambo International Airport as a major player in South Africa's cargo landscape, in order to invest in technologies such as automated storage, AI-driven systems, and robotics to reduce congestion and increase productivity.
Or Tambo International Airport Freight has been the African Freight Airport Award five times since 2013.
Mpohf highlighted the need for customs integration, digital clearance systems, and risk-based handling to reduce border delays.
She also highlighted the value of public-private partnerships to modernize the freight district, improve visibility across the supply chain, and position Africa's hub as a regional leader.
Emerging technologies such as blockchain and AI are also attracting attention for their ability to increase the security and efficiency of cargo clearance.
“Blockchain ensures transparency and trust in the supply chain, but AI can streamline inspections and automate risk detection,” Mpohf said.
“The future of air cargo depends on the adoption of smarter and cleaner technologies and close collaboration between stakeholders.”
Mpohf has joined ACSA group executive Lauriette Sesoko for ACSA's commercial and business development in strategic engagement supporting ACSA's corporate strategy.
ACSA said the summit provided insights into global trends and technologies that could further strengthen South Africa's freight operations.
