African airlines will need nearly 1,200 new commercial aircraft over the next 20 years, while the continent’s total fleet is expected to grow from the current 755 aircraft to around 1,625 by 2045. The forecast comes from Boeing’s latest Commercial Market Outlook for Africa.

Boeing expects passenger traffic in Africa to grow at an average annual rate of nearly six percent through 2045, placing the continent among the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. Growth is expected to be driven by an increasingly urban population, an expanding middle class, infrastructure development and gradual improvements in air connectivity between African countries.

The largest share of future deliveries will consist of single-aisle aircraft. Of the 1,165 new aircraft Boeing forecasts for the 2026–2045 period, 870 are expected to fall into this category. These aircraft are set to form the backbone of expanding domestic and regional networks operated by African carriers.

Demand for widebody aircraft is also expected to increase significantly. Boeing forecasts a requirement for 240 new widebody aircraft, primarily to support fleet modernization and the continued development of long-haul connections between Africa and Europe, the Middle East and other global markets.

Europe is expected to retain its position as the largest international passenger market for travel to and from Africa. Boeing links this outlook to strong economic ties, extensive cultural and family connections between the two continents, and continued investment in tourism.

Particularly strong growth is expected within Africa itself. Improving connectivity between individual countries should enable intra-African passenger traffic to grow even faster than the regional market average. Traffic between Africa and the Middle East is also expected to be one of the major growth segments.

The development of logistics and e-commerce is meanwhile expected to increase demand for freighter aircraft. Boeing forecasts that Africa’s cargo fleet will grow from around 60 aircraft today to approximately 150 by 2045. The forecast includes 15 new-build freighter deliveries, while part of the fleet expansion is expected to come from passenger-to-freighter conversions.

Fleet growth will also significantly increase demand for maintenance, technical support and skilled personnel. Boeing estimates that the African market for maintenance, repair, overhaul, modifications and digital solutions will reach approximately $140 billion over the forecast period.

Africa’s aviation sector will also require around 75,000 new professionals by 2045. Boeing forecasts demand for approximately 22,000 new pilots, 25,000 technicians and 28,000 cabin crew members.

“Africa’s aviation market is entering a period of sustained growth driven by improving connectivity, expanding intraregional travel and deeper economic ties across the continent and with key global markets,” said Shahab Matin, Boeing managing director of Commercial Marketing.

According to Boeing’s delivery forecast through 2045, in addition to 870 single-aisle and 240 widebody aircraft, African operators are expected to take delivery of 40 regional jets and 15 freighters.

Boeing has published its Commercial Market Outlook annually since 1961, providing a 20-year forecast of global demand for commercial aircraft and related services.